Dual quencher probes

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides nucleic acid probes comprising two quenchers of excited state energy, and methods of their use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/147,695, filed Apr. 15, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention resides in the field of labeled nucleic acid probes, and methods of detecting these probes or fragments of the probes. Exemplary species of the invention are nucleic acid oligomers labeled with two or more quenching moieties capable of quenching the energy emitted by one or more fluorescent moiety, which is (are) also conjugated to the nucleic acid oligomer. In general, at least one of the quenching moieties and one of the fluorescent moieties are bound at locations on the oligomer that are sufficiently proximate that detectable energy transfer from the fluorophore to the quencher occurs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The predominant probe type in the qPCR market is linear hydrolysis probes for use in the 5′ nuclease assay. They are traditionally labeled with two dyes, generally located at the termini of a nucleic acid oligomer, for example, a 5′ fluorescent reporter and 3′ quencher, e.g., a dark quencher. The 3′ modification can serve the dual purpose of prohibiting polymerase extension from the probe upon hybridization; and quenching signal from the fluorophore before the probe hybridizes to its target sequence.

The quencher and fluorophore may interact through either Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and/or static quenching, which it is hypothesized that they contact one another to form a ground-state complex that is non-fluorescent (Marras, S. A. E., Kramer, F. R., and Tyagi, S. (2002) Nucleic Acids Res. 30, e122; Johansson, M. K. (2006). Methods Mol. Biol. 335, 17-29). This interaction suppresses the signal when the probe is free in solution. Upon oligo hybridization, the duplex formed is quite rigid and so increases the effective length compared to single-stranded oligo, which is much more flexible. Binding of the probe to the target sequence is therefore sufficient to disrupt the interaction between dyes positioned at opposite ends of an oligo and release fluorescent signal (Parkhurst, K. M., and Parkhurst, L. J. (1995). Biochemistry 34, 285-292).

The signal release upon hybridization can be made permanent by hydrolyzing the oligo between the fluorophore and the quencher. In fact, cleavage is accomplished when Taq polymerase extends from a primer and encounters the probe in its path (FIG. 1). The nuclease activity of the polymerase cleaves the probe one or several bases from its 5′ end until the probe loses binding stability and is displaced from the strand. This hydrolysis is the basis for the signaling mechanism in TaqMan® probes.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a 5′ nuclease (TaqMan®) assay. Briefly, after denaturation, the probe and primers anneal to the dissociated strands. During elongation the polymerase extends from the primer, encounters the probe, and hydrolyzes nucleotide fragments that are displaced from the strand. Cleavage of the probe separates the fluorophore and quencher rendering signal release permanent.

Probe performance can be quantified in a general sense by a signal-to-noise ratio: the final fluorescence following amplification divided by the initial fluorescence preceding amplification. The initial fluorescence represents the quenching efficiency, and so to double this background signal reduces the S:N by a factor of two. Quenching efficiency depends, in part, upon the oligo length. This is because FRET quenching diminishes quite rapidly with increasing separation between the dyes according to a relationship of (1/r)̂6, where r is the distance through space (Cardullo et al. (1988). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85, 8790-8794.). Single-stranded oligos are thought to behave as a random coil and so the effective distance is the average of many conformations, but the principle remains the same: increasing sequence length diminishes the quenching efficiency, resulting in probes with elevated baseline fluorescence and poor signal-to-noise values. For this reason, probe designs are typically limited to 30 bases or shorter to achieve sufficient quenching efficiency for the final application.

Oligonucleic acid lengths are selected with consideration not only to quenching efficiency but also their binding stability. A common design guideline is to select probe sequences with a T_(M) of 70° C., elevated above that of the primers. Probes must typically be longer than 20 bases to accomplish that T_(M) depending on the base composition, and in the absence of special modifications to promote hybridization. Sequence design is thus a careful compromise between binding stability and quenching efficiency, but that 20-30 base window is inadequate for many difficult targets. For example, SNP genotyping requires probes shorter than 20 bases in order to achieve the enhanced specificity needed for mismatch discrimination. At such a low T_(M) SNP probes would be nonfunctional without the use of chemical moieties to increase their binding stability—a Minor Groove Binder (MGB) (Kutyavin et al. (2000). Nucleic Acids Res. 28, 655-661) or the propynyl residues used in BHQplus probes, among others. These chemical modifications serve to relax the lower limitation, allowing the design of compact sequences beneath 20 bases in length.

Many target genes are particularly AT-rich and require longer sequences to obtain the proper T_(M). The upper limitation on sequence length can be relaxed by positioning the quencher at an internal location closer to the fluorescent reporter, rather than at the 3′ terminus. In fact, some of the earliest TaqMan probe designs had the quencher at an internal location for this reason—to improve their quenching efficiency (Lee et al. (1993) Nucleic Acids Res. 21(16): 3761-3766). However, the 3′ position now vacated must still be modified with a blocker such as a terminal phosphate or aliphatic carbon spacer, to prevent the probe from behaving as a primer and triggering extension.

Probes with an internal quencher do improve the quenching efficiency for sequences longer than 30-bases. Internal quenchers are traditionally positioned off of a thymidine base to preserve the sugar-phosphate backbone and presumably minimize any disruption to base-pairing. For certain assays, however, this strategy will diminish the magnitude of signal release upon amplification. The reasons for this suppression are not entirely clear, but the outcome effectively reduces the numerator of the S:N ratio, compromising probe performance. FIGS. 2A-C show representative results when Black Hole Quencher-1 (BHQ1) is positioned upon an internal T residue, across three different probe lengths.

FIGS. 2A-C. Amplification traces signaled with an end-labeled probe are shown as slashed lines. Amplification traces signaled with an internal T-BHQ1 probe are shown as solid lines. The improvement in quenching efficiency is most pronounced with longer probe sequences, while the short 21-base probe has a reduced magnitude of signal release compared to the end-labeled probe.

Tethering the BHQ1 off a thymidine constrains probe design to those sequences that have a T toward the 5′ end, since the reactive precursor used to incorporate the quencher during oligo synthesis involves a T-linked phosphoramidite. This base dependence is a significant limitation, as is the reduced signal release from select assays, particularly those with shorter probe sequences. The design of qPCR assays could be made more facile, and their signal amplification more robust by:

-   -   1. Improving both the magnitude of signal release and the         quenching efficiency.     -   2. Eliminating any base dependencies that restrict the quencher         position.     -   3. A label orientation that permits design of both short and         long sequences with similar performance improvement.

The present invention provides nucleic acid probes meeting these three and having other advantages as well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides nucleic acid probes comprising two quenchers of excited state energy, and methods of their use.

Other objects, advantages and aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a 5′ nuclease (TaqMan®) assay.

FIG. 2A-FIG. 2C show the amplification traces for end-labeled probes (slashed) and internal T-BHQ1 labeled probes (solid) at various probe lengths.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of an exemplary dual quencher probe of the invention.

FIG. 4A-FIG. 4C show the amplification traces for end-labeled probes (slashed) and dual quencher probes (solid) at various probe lengths.

FIG. 5A-FIG. 5F show the (raw and normalized) amplification traces for end-labeled probes (slashed) and dual quencher probes (solid) at various probe lengths.

FIG. 6A-FIG. 6B FIG. 6A shows the amplification traces for an end-labeled probe (slashed) and an I-TBHQ1+3-BHQ1 probe (solid). FIG. 6B shows the amplification traces for an end-labeled probe (slashed) and an I-BHQ1+3-BHQ1 probe (solid).

FIG. 7A-FIG. 7B FIG. 7A shows the amplification traces for an end-labeled probe (slashed), an I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1 probe (solid), and an I-TDAB+3-BHQ1 probe (hollow). FIG. 7B shows the amplification traces for an end-labeled probe (slashed), an I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1 probe (solid), and an I-Aniline+3-BHQ1 probe (hollow).

FIG. 8A-FIG. 8B FIG. 8A shows the amplification traces for an end-labeled probe (slashed), an I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1 probe (solid), and an I-dRBHQ0+3-BHQ1 probe (hollow). FIG. 8B shows the amplification traces for an end-labeled probe (slashed), an I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1 probe (solid), and an I-gBHQ0+3-BHQ1 probe (hollow).

FIG. 9A-FIG. 9B FIG. 9A shows the amplification traces for an end-labeled probe (slashed), an I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1 probe (solid), and an I-BHQ0+3-Sp3 probe (hollow).

FIG. 9B shows the amplification traces for an end-labeled probe (slashed), an I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1 probe (solid), and an I-BHQ1+3-BHQ0 probe (hollow).

FIG. 10 shows the amplification traces for an end-labeled probe (slashed), and various I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1 probes.

FIG. 11A-FIG. 11L show the melting curves for end-labeled probes (slashed), I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1 probes (solid), and probes without complement (hollow), respectively, for different probe sequences.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Abbreviations

“BHQ,” as used herein, refers generally to dark quenchers including one or more diazo bond and specifically to “Black Hole Quenchers™.” Exemplary BHQ's are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,019,129. “FET,” as used herein, refers to “Fluorescence Energy Transfer.” “FRET,” as used herein, refers to “Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer.” These terms are used herein to refer to both radiative and non-radiative energy transfer processes. For example, processes in which a photon is emitted and those involving long range electron transfer are included within these terms. Throughout this specification, both of these phenomena are subsumed under the general term “donor-acceptor energy transfer.” “SNP” refers to “Single Nucleotide Polymorphism.”

DEFINITIONS

Before the invention is described in greater detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to particular embodiments described herein as such embodiments may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and the terminology is not intended to be limiting. The scope of the invention will be limited only by the appended claims. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention. Certain ranges are presented herein with numerical values being preceded by the term “about.” The term “about” is used herein to provide literal support for the exact number that it precedes, as well as a number that is near to or approximately the number that the term precedes. In determining whether a number is near to or approximately a specifically recited number, the near or approximating unrecited number may be a number, which, in the context in which it is presented, provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited number. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Furthermore, each cited publication, patent, or patent application is incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the subject matter in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the invention described herein is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided might be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

It is noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only,” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Any recited method may be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order that is logically possible. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may also be used in the practice or testing of the invention, representative illustrative methods and materials are now described.

The following definitions are broadly applicable to each of the embodiments of the present invention set forth herein below. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures in cell culture, molecular genetics, organic chemistry and nucleic acid chemistry and hybridization described below are those well-known and commonly employed in the art. Standard techniques are used for nucleic acid and peptide synthesis. Molecular biological techniques and procedures are generally performed according to conventional methods in the art and various general references (see generally, Sambrook et al. MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL, 2d ed. (1989) Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., which is incorporated herein by reference). The nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures in analytical chemistry, and organic synthesis are those well-known and commonly employed in the art. Standard techniques, or modifications thereof, are used for chemical syntheses and chemical analyses.

The term “alkyl,” by itself or as part of another substituent, means, unless otherwise stated, a straight- or branched-chain, or cyclic hydrocarbon radical, or combination thereof, which may be fully saturated, mono- or polyunsaturated and can include mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-valent radicals, having the number of carbon atoms designated (i.e. C₁-C₁₀ means one to ten carbons). Examples of saturated hydrocarbon radicals include, but are not limited to, groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, cyclohexyl, (cyclohexyl)methyl, cyclopropylmethyl, homologs and isomers of, for example, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, and the like. An unsaturated alkyl group is one having one or more double bonds or triple bonds. Examples of unsaturated alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, vinyl, 2-propenyl, crotyl, 2-isopentenyl, 2-(butadienyl), 2,4-pentadienyl, 3-(1,4-pentadienyl), ethynyl, 1- and 3-propynyl, 3-butynyl, and the higher homologs and isomers. The term “alkyl,” unless otherwise noted, also optionally include those derivatives of alkyl defined in more detail below, such as “heteroalkyl.” Alkyl groups that are limited to hydrocarbon groups are termed “homoalkyl”. The term “alkyl”, as used herein refers to alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl moieties, each of which can be mono-, di- or polyvalent species as appropriate to satisfy valence requirements. Alkyl groups are optionally substituted, e.g., with one or more groups referred to herein as an “alkyl group substituent.”

The term “alkylene” by itself or as part of another substituent means a divalent radical derived from an alkyl moiety, as exemplified, but not limited, by —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and further includes those groups described below as “heteroalkylene.” Typically, an alkyl (or alkylene) group will have from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, with those groups having 10 or fewer carbon atoms being preferred in the present invention. For alkylene and heteroalkylene linker groups, it is optional that no orientation of the linker group is implied by the direction in which the formula of the linker group is written. For example, the formula —C(O)₂R′— represents —C(O)₂R′— and, optionally, —R′C(O)₂—. A “lower alkyl” or “lower alkylene” is a shorter chain alkyl or alkylene group, generally having eight, seven, six, five or fewer carbon atoms.

The terms “alkoxy,” “alkylamino” and “alkylthio” (or thioalkoxy) are used in their conventional sense, and refer to those alkyl groups attached to the remainder of the molecule via an oxygen atom, an amino group, or a sulfur atom, respectively.

The term “heteroalkyl,” by itself or in combination with another term, means, unless otherwise stated, a stable straight- or branched-chain, or cyclic alkyl radical consisting of the stated number of carbon atoms and at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of B, O, N, Si and S, wherein the heteroatom may optionally be oxidized and the nitrogen atom may optionally be quaternized. The heteroatom(s) may be placed at any internal position of the heteroalkyl group or at a terminus of the chain, e.g., the position through which the alkyl group is attached to the remainder of the molecule. Examples of “heteroalkyl” groups include, but are not limited to, —CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₃, —CH₂—CH₂—NH—CH₃, —CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₃, —CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₃, —CH₂—CH₂, —S(O)—CH₃, —CH₂—CH₂—S(O)₂—CH₃, —CH═CH—O—CH₃, —Si(CH₃)₃, —CH₂—CH═N—OCH₃, and —CH═CH—N(CH₃)—CH₃. Two or more heteroatoms may be consecutive, such as, for example, —CH₂—NH—OCH₃ and —CH₂—O—Si(CH₃)₃. Similarly, the term “heteroalkylene” by itself or as part of another substituent refers to a substituted or unsubstituted divalent heteroalkyl radical, as exemplified, but not limited by, —CH₂—CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₂— and —CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₂—NH—CH₂—. For heteroalkylene groups, heteroatoms can also occupy either or both of the chain termini (e.g., alkyleneoxy, alkylenedioxy, alkyleneamino, alkylenediamino, and the like).

The terms “cycloalkyl” and “heterocycloalkyl”, by themselves or in combination with other terms, represent, unless otherwise stated, cyclic versions of “alkyl” and “heteroalkyl”, respectively. Additionally, for heterocycloalkyl, a heteroatom can occupy the position at which the heterocycle is attached to the remainder of the molecule. Examples of cycloalkyl include, but are not limited to, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, 1-cyclohexenyl, 3-cyclohexenyl, cycloheptyl, and the like. Examples of heterocycloalkyl include, but are not limited to, 1-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridyl), 1-piperidinyl, 2-piperidinyl, 3-piperidinyl, 4-morpholinyl, 3-morpholinyl, tetrahydrofuran-2-yl, tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, tetrahydrothien-2-yl, tetrahydrothien-3-yl, 1-piperazinyl, 2-piperazinyl, and the like.

The terms “halo” or “halogen,” by themselves or as part of another substituent, mean, unless otherwise stated, a fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine atom. Additionally, terms such as “haloalkyl,” are meant to include monohaloalkyl and polyhaloalkyl. For example, the term “halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl” is meant to include, but not be limited to, trifluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 4-chlorobutyl, 3-bromopropyl, and the like.

The term “aryl” means, unless otherwise stated, a polyunsaturated, aromatic, substituent that can be a single ring or multiple rings (preferably from 1 to 3 rings, one or more of which is optionally a cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl), which are fused together or linked covalently. The term “heteroaryl” refers to aryl groups (or rings) that contain from one to four heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, wherein the nitrogen and sulfur atoms are optionally oxidized, and the nitrogen atom(s) are optionally quaternized. A heteroaryl group can be attached to the remainder of the molecule through a heteroatom. Non-limiting examples of aryl and heteroaryl groups include phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 4-biphenyl, 1-pyrrolyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrazolyl, 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, pyrazinyl, 2-oxazolyl, 4-oxazolyl, 2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl, 5-oxazolyl, 3-isoxazolyl, 4-isoxazolyl, 5-isoxazolyl, 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl, 5-thiazolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 2-pyrimidyl, 4-pyrimidyl, 5-benzothiazolyl, purinyl, 2-benzimidazolyl, 5-indolyl, 1-isoquinolyl, 5-isoquinolyl, 2-quinoxalinyl, 5-quinoxalinyl, 3-quinolyl, and 6-quinolyl. Substituents for each of the above noted aryl and heteroaryl ring systems are selected from the group of “aryl group substituents” described below.

For brevity, the term “aryl” when used in combination with other terms (e.g., aryloxy, arylthioxy, arylalkyl) optionally includes both homoaryl and heteroaryl rings as defined above. Thus, the term “arylalkyl” optionally includes those radicals in which an aryl group is attached to an alkyl group (e.g., benzyl, phenethyl, pyridylmethyl and the like) including those alkyl groups in which a carbon atom (e.g., a methylene group) has been replaced by, for example, an oxygen atom (e.g., phenoxymethyl, 2-pyridyloxymethyl, 3-(1-naphthyloxy)propyl, and the like).

Substituents for the alkyl and heteroalkyl radicals (including those groups often referred to as alkylene, alkenyl, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, and heterocycloalkenyl) are generically referred to as “alkyl group substituents,” and they can be one or more of a variety of groups selected from, but not limited to: —OR′, ═O, ═NR′, ═N—OR′, —NR′R″, —SR′, -halogen, —SiR′R″R′″, —OC(O)R′, —C(O)R′, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —OC(O)NR′R″, —NR″C(O)R′, —NR′—C(O)NR″R′″, —NR″C(O)₂R′, —NR—C(NR′R″R′″)═NR″″, —NR—C(NR′R″)═NR′″, —S(O)R′, —S(O)₂R′, —S(O)₂NR′R″, —NRSO₂R′, —CN and —NO₂ in a number ranging from zero to (2m′+1), where m′ is the total number of carbon atoms in such radical. R′, R″, R′″ and R″″ each preferably independently refer to hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, e.g., aryl substituted with 1-3 halogens, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy or thioalkoxy groups, or arylalkyl groups. When a compound of the invention includes more than one R group, for example, each of the R groups is independently selected as are each R′, R″, R′″ and R″″ groups when more than one of these groups is present. When R′ and R″ are attached to the same nitrogen atom, they can be combined with the nitrogen atom to form a 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring. For example, —NR′R″ is meant to include, but not be limited to, 1-pyrrolidinyl and 4-morpholinyl. From the above discussion of substituents, one of skill in the art will understand that the term “alkyl” includes groups with carbon atoms bound to groups other than hydrogen, such as haloalkyl (e.g., —CF₃ and —CH₂CF₃) and acyl (e.g., —C(O)CH₃, —C(O)CF₃, —C(O)CH₂OCH₃, and the like). Exemplary alkyl group substituents include those groups referred to herein as “reactive functional groups” and “linkage sites.” In various embodiments, the alkyl group substituent is a phosphorus-containing moiety, e.g., a phosphodiester or a phosphodiester modification such as those described herein.

Similar to the substituents described for the alkyl radical, substituents for the aryl and heteroaryl groups are generically referred to as “aryl group substituents.” Exemplary substituents are selected from the list of alkyl group substituents and others, for example: halogen, —OR′, ═O, ═NR′, ═N—OR′, —NR′R″, —SR′, —SiR′R″R′″, —OC(O)R′, —C(O)R′, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —OC(O)NR′R″, —NR″C(O)R′, —NR′—C(O)NR″R′″, —NR″ C(O)₂R′, —NR—C(NR′R″R′″)═NR″″, —NR—C(NR′R″)═NR′″, —S(O)R′, —S(O)₂R′, —S(O)₂NR′R″, —NRSO₂R′, —CN and —NO₂, —R′, —N₃, —CH(Ph)₂, fluoro(C₁-C₄)alkoxy, and fluoro(C₁-C₄)alkyl, in a number ranging from zero to the total number of open valences on the aromatic ring system; and where R′, R″, R′″ and R″″ are preferably independently selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. When a compound of the invention includes more than one R group, for example, each of the R groups is independently selected as are each R′, R″, R′″ and R″″ groups when more than one of these groups is present.

Two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ring may optionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula -T-C(O)—(CRR′)_(q)—U—, wherein T and U are independently —NR—, —O—, —CRR′— or a single bond, and q is an integer from 0 to 3. Alternatively, two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ring may optionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula -A-(CH₂)_(r)—B—, wherein A and B are independently —CRR′—, —O—, —NR—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —S(O)₂NR′— or a single bond, and r is an integer of from 1 to 4. One of the single bonds of the new ring so formed may optionally be replaced with a double bond. Alternatively, two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ring may optionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula —(CRR′)_(s)—X—(CR″R′″)_(d)—, where s and d are independently integers of from 0 to 3, and X is —O—, —NR′—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, or —S(O)₂NR′—. The substituents R, R′, R″ and R″ are preferably independently selected from hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted (C₁-C₁₆)alkyl. Exemplary aryl group substituents include those groups referred to herein as “reactive functional groups” and “linkage sites.”

As used herein, the term “heteroatom” includes oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S) and silicon (Si).

The symbol “R” is a general abbreviation that represents a substituent group that is selected from H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl groups. R can also refer to alkyl group substituents and aryl group substituents.

The term “salt(s)” includes salts of the compounds which are prepared with relatively nontoxic acids or bases, depending on the particular substituents found on the compounds described herein. When compounds of the present invention contain relatively acidic functionalities, base addition salts can be obtained by contacting the neutral form of such compounds with a sufficient amount of the desired base, either neat or in a suitable inert solvent. Examples of base addition salts include sodium, potassium, calcium, ammonium, organic amino, or magnesium salt, or a similar salt. When compounds of the present invention contain relatively basic functionalities, acid addition salts can be obtained by contacting the neutral form of such compounds with a sufficient amount of the desired acid, either neat or in a suitable inert solvent. Examples of acid addition salts include those derived from inorganic acids like hydrochloric, hydrobromic, nitric, carbonic, monohydrogencarbonic, phosphoric, monohydrogenphosphoric, dihydrogenphosphoric, sulfuric, monohydrogensulfuric, hydriodic, or phosphorous acids, and the like, as well as the salts derived from relatively nontoxic organic acids like acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, maleic, malic, malonic, benzoic, succinic, suberic, fumaric, lactic, mandelic, phthalic, benzenesulfonic, p-tolylsulfonic, citric, tartaric, methanesulfonic, and the like. Also included are salts of amino acids such as arginate, and the like, and salts of organic acids like glucuronic or galactunoric acids and the like (see, for example, Berge et al., Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 66: 1-19 (1977)). Certain specific compounds of the present invention contain both basic and acidic functionalities that allow the compounds to be converted into either base or acid addition salts. Hydrates of the salts are also included.

As used herein, “nucleic acid” means nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides, e.g., DNA, RNA, whether single-stranded, double-stranded, or in more highly aggregated hybridization motifs, and any chemical modifications thereof. Modifications include, but are not limited to, those providing chemical groups that incorporate additional charge, polarizability, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction, and reactivity to the nucleic acid ligand nucleobases or to the nucleic acid ligand as a whole. Such modifications include, but are not limited to, phosphodiester group modifications (e.g., phosphorothioates, methylphosphonates), sugar modifications, 5-position pyrimidine modifications, 8-position purine modifications, modifications at exocyclic amines, substitution with non-standard or non-natural nucleobases such as 4-thiouridine, 5-bromo or 5-iodo-uracil; backbone modifications such as peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), glycol nucleic acids (GNAs), morpholinos; methylations such as 2′-O-methyl nucleosides, 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine; unusual base-pairing combinations such as the isobases, isocytidine and isoguanidine and the like. A “nucleomonomer” refers to a single nucleic acid unit, which can be a nucleoside, nucleotide or a modification thereof.

“Nucleobase” as used herein includes those moieties which contain not only the known purine and pyrimidine heterocycles, but also heterocycle analogs and tautomers thereof. Purines include adenine, guanine and xanthine and exemplary purine analogs include 8-oxo-N⁶-methyladenine and 7-deazaxanthine. Pyrimidines include uracil and cytosine and their analogs such as 5-methylcytosine, 5-methyluracil and 4,4-ethanocytosine. This term also encompasses non-natural nucleobases. Representative non-natural nucleobases include 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-chlorouracil, 5-iodouracil, hypoxanthine, xanthine, 4-acetylcytosine, 5-(carboxyhydroxylmethyl) uracil, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, beta-D-galactosylqueosine, inosine, N⁶-isopentenyladenine, 1-methylguanine, 1-methylinosine, 2,2-dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine, 2-methylguanine, 3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N⁶-adenine, 7-methylguanine, 5-methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxyaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, beta-D-mannosylqueosine, 5′-methoxycarboxymethyluracil, 5-methoxyuracil, 2-methylthio-N⁶-isopentenyladenine, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v), wybutoxosine, pseudouracil, queosine, 2-thiocytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, 5-methyluracil, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid methyl ester, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v), 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 3-(3-amino-3-N-2-carboxypropyl) uracil, (acp3)w, nitroindole, and 2,6-diaminopurine.

In various embodiments, the inventive compounds include pyrimidines derivatized at the 5-position. The derivatives are 1-alkenyl-, 1-alkynyl-, heteroaromatic- and 1-alkynyl-heteroaromatic modifications. “1-Alkenyl” means an olefinically-unsaturated (double bond containing) acyclic group. “1-Alkynyl” means an acetylenically-unsaturated (triple bond containing) acylic group

As used herein, “nucleoside” means a subset of nucleic acid in which a nucleobase is covalently attached to a sugar or sugar analog and which optionally includes a phosphite, phosphoramidite or phosphine. The term nucleoside includes ribonucleosides, deoxyribonucleosides, or any other nucleoside which is an N-glycoside or C-glycoside of a nucleobase. The stereochemistry of the sugar carbons can be other than that of D-ribose. Nucleosides also include those species which contain modifications of the sugar moiety, for example, wherein one or more of the hydroxyl groups are replaced with a halogen, a heteroatom, an aliphatic groups, or are functionalized as ethers, amines, thiols, and the like. The pentose moiety can be replaced by a hexose or an alternate structure such as a cyclopentane ring, a 6-member morpholino ring and the like. Nucleosides as defined herein also include a nucleobase linked to an amino acid and/or an amino acid analog having a free carboxyl group and/or a free amino group and/or protected forms thereof. Nucleosides also optionally include one or more nucleobase modification, e.g., modified with a fluorocarbyl, alkenyl or alkynyl moiety. A nucleoside including a phosphodiester or phosphodiester modification, is referred to herein as a nucleotide.

“Sugar modification,” as used herein, means any pentose or hexose moiety other than 2′-deoxyribose. Modified sugars include, for example, D-ribose, 2′-O-alkyl, 2′-amino, 2′-halo functionalized pentoses, hexoses and the like. Exemplary sugar modifications include those sugars in which one or more of the hydroxyl groups is replaced with a halogen, a heteroatom, an alkyl moiety, or are functionalized as ethers, esters, and the like. The pentose moiety can be replaced by a hexose or an alternate structure such as a cyclopentane ring, a 6-member morpholino ring and the like. Nucleosides as defined herein are also intended to include a nucleobase linked to an amino acid and/or an amino acid analog having a free carboxyl group and/or a free amino group and/or protected forms thereof. Sugars having a stereochemistry other than that of a D-ribose are also included.

“Phosphodiester group modification” means any analog of the native phosphodiester group that covalently couples adjacent nucleomonomers. Substitute linkages include phosphodiester analogs, e.g. such as phosphorothioate and methylphosphonate, and nonphosphorus containing linkages, e.g. such as acetals and amides.

Nucleic acid modification also include 3′, 5′, and base modifications such as labeling with a quencher (e.g., a BHQ), a fluorophore, intercalator, minor groove binder, a fluorocarbon, a stabilizing group or another moiety. In various embodiments, the modification or label is covalently conjugated to the oligomer through a linker group.

Oligomers are defined herein as two or more nucleomonomers covalently coupled to each other by a phosphodiesester or modified phosphodiester moiety. Thus, an oligomer can have as few as two nucleomonomers (a dimer), and have essentially no upper limit of nucleomonomers. Oligomers can be binding competent and, thus, can base pair with cognate single-stranded or double-stranded (or higher order aggregation) nucleic acid sequences. Oligomers are also useful as synthons for longer oligomers as described herein. Oligomers can also contain abasic sites and pseudonucleosides. In various embodiments, the oligomers of the invention are functionalized. The moieties functionalizing the oligomers are discussed below. In describing certain embodiments the term “oligomer” is used interchangeably to refer to the nucleic acid sequence of the oligomer, the modified nucleic acid sequence providing a probe of the invention or the modified nucleic acid sequence providing a solid support of the invention.

“Peptide” refers to an oligomer in which the monomers are amino acids and are joined together through amide bonds, alternatively referred to as a polypeptide. When the amino acids are α-amino acids, either the L-optical isomer or the D-optical isomer can be used. Additionally, unnatural amino acids, for example, β-alanine, phenylglycine and homoarginine are also included. Commonly encountered amino acids that are not gene-encoded may also be used in the present invention. All of the amino acids used in the present invention may be either the D- or L-isomer. The L-isomers are generally preferred. In addition, other peptidomimetics are also useful in the present invention. For a general review, see, Spatola, A. F., in CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY OF AMINO ACIDS, PEPTIDES AND PROTEINS, B. Weinstein, eds., Marcel Dekker, New York, p. 267 (1983).

A “solid support” is a solid material having a surface for attachment of molecules, compounds, cells, or other entities, or to which surface such species are attached. The surface of a solid support can be flat or otherwise configured. A solid support can be porous or non-porous. A solid support can be a chip or array that comprises a surface, and that may comprise glass, silicon, nylon, polymers, plastics, ceramics, or metals. A solid support can also be a membrane, such as a nylon, nitrocellulose, or polymeric membrane, or a plate or dish and can be comprised of glass, ceramics, metals, or plastics, such as, for example, a 96-well plate made of, for example, polystyrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or polyallomer. A solid support can also be a bead or particle of any shape, and is preferably spherical or nearly spherical, and preferably a bead or particle has a diameter or maximum width of 1 millimeter or less, more preferably of between 0.1 to 100 microns. Such particles or beads can be comprised of any suitable material, e.g., glass or ceramics, and/or one or more polymers, such as, for example, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, TEFLON™, polystyrene, polyacrylamide, sepharose, agarose, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, or dextran, and/or can comprise metals, particularly paramagnetic metals, such as iron.

Supports for solid phase synthesis are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, high cross-linker polystyrene (McCollum, et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 32: 4069-4072 (1991), polystyrene/PEG copolymer (Gao, et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 32: 5477-5480 (1991), silica gel (Chow, et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 9: 2807-2817 (1981)), polyamide bonded silica gel (Gait, et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 10: 6243-6254 (1982)), cellulose (Crea, et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 8: 2331-2348 (1980)), and controlled pore glass (CPG) (Koster, et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 24: 747-750 (1983). An exemplary solid support is CPG beads. CPG beads can be derivatized for the attachment of a nucleomonor or oligomer in a variety of ways. For example, CPG beads can be treated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane to add an amino propyl linker handle for the attachment of oligonucleotide analogue monomers or dimers (Koster, et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 24: 747-750 (1983), or, preferably, a long-chain alkylamine group, most preferably including a terminal nucleoside, can be attached to CPG (Adams, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 105: 661-663 (1983)). Supports for oligonucleotide synthesis or peptide synthesis, for example dT-LCAA-CPG (Applied Biosystems), are commercially available.

An “intercalator” refers to a planar aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety that is capable of partial insertion and stacking between adjacent nucleobases. These moieties may be small molecules or part of a larger entity, such as a protein. Non-limiting examples of intercalators include acridines, anthracenes, anthracyclines, anthracyclinone, methylene blue, indole, anthraquinone, quinoline, isoquinoline, dihydroquinones, tetracyclines, psoralens, coumarins, ethidium halides, ethidium homodimers, homodimeric oxazole yellow (YOYO), thiazole orange (TOTO), dynemicins, 1,10-phenanthroline-copper, calcheamicin, porphyrins, distamycins, netropcins, and viologens.

A “minor groove binder” refers to a moiety typically having a molecular weight of approximately 150 to approximately 2000 Daltons. The moiety binds in a non-intercalating manner into the minor groove of double stranded (or higher order aggregation) DNA, RNA or hybrids thereof, preferably, with an association constant greater than approximately 10³ M⁻¹. Minor groove binding compounds have widely varying chemical structures, however, exemplary minor groove binders have a crescent shape three dimensional structure. Exemplar include certain naturally occurring compounds such as netropsin, distamycin and lexitropsin, mithramycin, chromomycin A₃, olivomycin, anthramycin, sibiromycin, as well as further related antibiotics and synthetic derivatives. Certain bisquarternary ammonium heterocyclic compounds, diarylamidines such as pentamidine, stilbamidine and berenil, CC-1065 and related pyrroloindole and indole polypeptides, Hoechst 33258, 4′-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) as well as a number of oligopeptides consisting of naturally occurring or synthetic amino acids are minor groove binder compounds. Exemplary minor groove binders are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,102. This type of binding can be detected by well established spectrophotometric methods, such as ultraviolet (u.v.) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and also by gel electrophoresis. Shifts in u.v. spectra upon binding of a minor groove binder molecule, and NMR spectroscopy utilizing the “Nuclear Overhauser” (NOSEY) effect are particularly well known and useful techniques for this purpose. Gel electrophoresis detects binding of a minor groove binder to double stranded DNA or fragment thereof, because upon such binding the mobility of the double stranded DNA changes.

The minor groove binder is typically attached to the oligomer or solid support through a linker comprising a chain about 20, about 15 atoms, about 10 or about 5 atoms.

Intercalating moieties or agents are readily distinguished from minor groove binders on the basis that the intercalating agents are flat aromatic (preferably polycyclic) molecules versus the “crescent shape” or analogous geometry of the minor groove binders. An experimental distinction can also be made by NMR spectroscopy utilizing the Nuclear Overhauser effect.

The term “linker” or “L”, as used herein, refers to a single covalent bond (“zero-order”) or a series of stable covalent bonds incorporating 1-30 nonhydrogen atoms selected from the group consisting of C, N, O, S, Si and P that covalently link together the components of the compounds of the invention, e.g., linking a solid support to a stabilizing agent, a quencher, a nucleomonomer or oligomer of the invention; or linking a quencher or stabilizing moiety to a nucleobase in an amidite of the invention. Exemplary linkers include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 non-hydrogen atoms. Unless otherwise specified, “linking,” “linked,” “linkage,” “conjugating,” “conjugated” and analogous terms relating to attachment refer to techniques utilizing and species incorporating linkers. Exemplary linkers include a linkage site as defined herein. Moreover, a linker is of use to attach an oligomer or nascent oligomer (during oligomer synthesis) to the solid support of the invention. Thus, the invention also provides an oligomer of the invention covalently attached to a solid support (e.g., a solid support of the invention) through a linker. The solid supports and oligomers of the invention optionally include a cleavable linker between two components of the solid support and oligomer (e.g., between the oligomer and the solid support, between the fluorophore and oligomer, between the quencher and oligomer, between the fluorophore and quencher, etc.). In various embodiments, the linker joining the solid support to the oligomer is a cleavable linker.

A “cleavable linker” is a linker that has one or more cleavable groups that may be broken by the result of a reaction or condition. An exemplary cleavable linker is located within R⁸ of Formula I or II, serving to allow for the expedient separation of a synthesized oligomer of the invention from the solid support upon which it was synthesized. The term “cleavable group” refers to a moiety that allows for release of a component of the solid support or oligomer of the invention by cleaving a bond linking the released moiety to the remainder of the conjugate. Exemplary cleavage mechanisms of use both in preparing and using the oligomers and solid supports of the invention are enzymatically or otherwise chemically mediated.

In addition to enzymatically cleavable groups, it is within the scope of the present invention to include one or more sites that are cleaved by the action of an agent other than an enzyme. Exemplary non-enzymatic cleavage agents include, but are not limited to, acids, bases, light (e.g., nitrobenzyl derivatives, phenacyl groups, ortho-hydroxcinnamate esters, benzoin esters), and heat. Many cleaveable groups are known in the art. See, for example, Jung et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta, 761: 152-162 (1983); Joshi et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265: 14518-14525 (1990); Zarling et al., J. Immunol., 124: 913-920 (1980); Bouizar et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 155: 141-147 (1986); Park et al., J. Biol. Chem., 261: 205-210 (1986); Browning et al., J. Immunol., 143: 1859-1867 (1989). Moreover a broad range of cleavable, bifunctional (both homo- and hetero-bifunctional) spacer arms are commercially available.

An exemplary cleavable group is cleavable by a reagent, e.g. sodium hydroxide, ammonia or other amine. In various embodiments the cleavable linker is readily cleaved at room temperature or under heat. In one embodiment, R⁸ of Formula I or II comprises a cleavable linker that is cleaved by treatment with an amine, e.g., ammonia or an essentially anhydrous amine in an organic solvent.

A “linkage site,” is a moiety that connects two or more components (e.g., functional component, solid support, oligonucleotide, or linker). This term refers to a covalent bond that is formed by reaction of complementary reaction partners, each of which has a functional group of complementary reactivity to that of its partner. Linkage sites in the solid support and oligomers of the invention are independently selected. Exemplary linkage sites include, but are not limited to S, SC(O)NH, HNC(O)S, SC(O)O, O, NH, NHC(O), (O)CNH and NHC(O)O, and OC(O)NH, CH₂S, CH₂O, CH₂CH₂O, CH₂CH₂S, (CH₂)_(o)O, (CH₂)_(o)S or (CH₂)_(o)Y^(x)-PEG wherein, Y^(x) is S, NH, NHC(O), C(O)NH, NHC(O)O, OC(O)NH, or O and o is an integer from 1 to 50. In each of these exemplary linkage sites, NH can be NR^(t) in which R^(t) is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl. A linkage site can also be a phosphodiester group. In various embodiments, the linkage site is between a linker and a fluorophore, a linker and a quencher, a linker and a stabilizing moiety or a linker and a solid support. In an exemplary embodiment of the oligomers and solid support of the invention, each linkage site is different.

The term “fluorophore” as used herein refers to a moiety that is inherently fluorescent or demonstrates a change in fluorescence upon binding to a biological compound or metal ion, or metabolism by an enzyme, i.e., fluorogenic. Fluorophores may be substituted to alter the solubility, spectral properties or physical properties of the fluorophore. Numerous fluorophores are known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to coumarins, acridines, furans, dansyls, cyanines, pyrenes, naphthalenes, benzofurans, quinolines, quinazolinones, indoles, benzazoles, borapolyazaindacenes, oxazines and xanthenes, with the latter including fluoresceins, rhodamines, rosamines and rhodols. These and other fluorophores of use in the invention are described in Haugland, MOLECULAR PROBES HANDBOOK OF FLUORESCENT PROBES AND RESEARCH CHEMICALS. Further useful fluorophores are described in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0214833 and 2005/0170363 and herein below.

As used herein, “quencher” refers to any fluorescence-modifying moiety of the invention that can attenuate at least partly the light emitted by a fluorophore. This attenuation is referred to herein as “quenching”. Hence, in various embodiments, excitation of the fluorophore in the presence of the quenching group leads to an emission signal that is less intense than expected, or even completely absent. Quenching typically occurs through energy transfer between the excited fluorophore and the quenching group.

The fluorophore or quencher may include substituents enhancing a desirable property, e.g., solubility in water, cell permeability or an altered absorption and emission spectrum, relative to the “parent” compound in the absence of such substituent. As such the fluorophore or quencher of use in the invention include substituents that enhance a desirable property relative to an identical parent compound in the absence of the improving substituent.

A “functional component” is a generic term for a moiety in a compound of the invention having a structure selected from a quencher, a fluorophore or a stabilizing moiety (including, but not limited to, intercalators, minor groove binding moieties, nucleobases modified with a stabilizing moiety (e.g., alkynyl moieties, and fluoroalkyl moieties), and conformational stabilizing moieties, such as those described in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0059752).

The expression “amplification of polynucleotides” includes but is not limited to methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), ligation amplification (or ligase chain reaction, LCR) and amplification methods based on the use of Q-beta replicase. These methods are well known and widely practiced in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,195 and 4,683,202 and Innis et al., 1990 (for PCR); and Wu et al., 1989a (for LCR). Reagents and hardware for conducting PCR are commercially available. Primers useful to amplify sequences from a particular gene region are preferably complementary to, and hybridize specifically to sequences in the target region or in its flanking regions. Nucleic acid sequences generated by amplification may be sequenced directly. Alternatively the amplified sequence(s) may be cloned prior to sequence analysis. A method for the direct cloning and sequence analysis of enzymatically amplified genomic segments has been described by Scharf (1986). The present invention provides oligomeric primers of use in amplification processes. Moreover, there is provided a solid support of use in synthesizing such primers. In addition to primers, the invention provides probes, and methods of using such probes, to detect, characterize and/or quantify the products of amplification: also provided are solid supports of use to synthesize these oligomeric probes.

The term “base-stacking perturbations” refers to any event that causes a perturbation in base-stacking such as, for example, a base-pair mismatch, a protein binding to its recognition site, or any other entities that form oligonucleotide adducts. Various probes of the invention are capable of detecting, characterizing and/or quantifying such base-stacking perturbations. Moreover, the invention provides solid supports of use in synthesizing probes capable of detecting, characterizing and/or quantifying such base-stacking perturbations.

The term “hybridized” refers to two nucleic acid strands associated with each other which may or may not be fully base-paired: generally, this term refers to an association including an oligomer of the invention whether bound to a solid support or in solution.

The term “denaturing” refers to the process by which strands of nucleic acid duplexes (or higher order aggregates) are no longer base-paired by hydrogen bonding and are separated into single-stranded molecules. Methods of denaturation are well known to those skilled in the art and include thermal denaturation and alkaline denaturation. This term generally refers to the dissociation of a probe of the invention from its target nucleic acid.

The term “mismatches” refers to nucleic acid nucleobases within hybridized nucleic acid duplexes (or higher order aggregates) which are not 100% complementary. A mismatch includes any incorrect pairing between the nucleobases of two nucleobases located on complementary strands of nucleic acid that are not the Watson-Crick base-pairs, e.g., A:T or G:C. The lack of total homology may be due to deletions, insertions, inversions, substitutions or frameshift mutations. In various embodiments, the oligomer of the invention includes a mismatch relative to its target nucleic acid, preferably allowing detection and/or characterization and/or quantification of the corresponding mismatch in its target. In certain embodiments, the mismatch is a single nucleotide mismatch.

As used herein, the term “polymorphism” refers to a sequence variation in a gene, and “mutation” refers to a sequence variation in a gene that is associated or believed to be associated with a phenotype. The term “gene” refers to a segment of the genome coding for a functional product protein control region. Polymorphic markers used in accordance with the present invention for subject identification may be located in coding or non-coding regions of the genome, and various probes of the invention are designed to hybridize to nucleic acid regions including these markers. The term “subject,” as used herein refers to a subject providing a test sample from which target nucleic acids are obtained for the purpose of genetic testing. The oligomers of the invention are of use in detecting and/or characterizing and/or quantifying polymorphisms and mutations. Moreover, the solid supports of the invention are of use in synthesizing oligomers of use to detect and/or characterize and/or quantitate polymorphisms and mutations.

The term “probe” as used herein refers to nucleic acid oligomers prepared using a solid support or amidite of the invention. In various embodiments, the probes produce a detectable response upon interaction with a binding partner. The probes include at least one detectable moiety, or a pair of moieties that form an energy transfer pair detectable upon some change of state of the probe in response to its interaction with a binding partner. The present invention provides probes and amidites and solid supports of use to synthesize probes. Exemplary probes of the invention are of use to detect a polymorphism. In various embodiments, the polymorphism is a single nucleic acid polymorphism (SNP).

The term “detectable response” as used herein refers to a change in or an occurrence of, a signal that is directly or indirectly detectable either by observation or by instrumentation and the presence of or, preferably, the magnitude of which is a function of the presence of a target binding partner for a probe in the test sample. Typically, the detectable response is an optical response from a fluorophore resulting in a change in the wavelength distribution patterns or intensity of absorbance or fluorescence or a change in light scatter, fluorescence quantum yield, fluorescence lifetime, fluorescence polarization, a shift in excitation or emission wavelength or a combination of the above parameters. The detectable change in a given spectral property is generally an increase or a decrease. However, spectral changes that result in an enhancement of fluorescence intensity and/or a shift in the wavelength of fluorescence emission or excitation are also useful. The change in fluorescence on ion binding is usually due to conformational or electronic changes in the indicator that may occur in either the excited or ground state of the fluorophore, due to changes in electron density at the ion binding site, due to quenching of fluorescence by the bound target metal ion, or due to any combination of these or other effects. Alternatively, the detectable response is an occurrence of a signal wherein the fluorophore is inherently fluorescent and does not produce a change in signal upon binding to a metal ion or biological compound. The present invention provides probes providing a detectable response and solid supports of use to synthesize such probes.

The term “carrier molecule” as used herein refers to any molecule to which a compound of the invention is attached. Representative carrier molecules include a protein (e.g., enzyme, antibody), glycoprotein, peptide, saccharide (e.g., mono-, oligo-, and poly-saccharides), hormone, receptor, antigen, substrate, metabolite, transition state analog, cofactor, inhibitor, drug, dye, nutrient, growth factor, etc., without limitation. “Carrier molecule” also refers to species that might not be considered to fall within the classical definition of “a molecule,” e.g., solid support (e.g., synthesis support, chromatographic support, membrane), virus and microorganism.

The symbol

, displayed perpendicular to a bond, indicates the point at which the displayed moiety is attached to the remainder of the molecule.

The compounds herein described may have one or more asymmetric centers or planes. Compounds of the present invention containing an asymmetrically substituted atom may be isolated in optically active or racemic forms. It is well known in the art how to prepare optically active forms, such as by resolution of racemic forms (racemates), by asymmetric synthesis, or by synthesis from optically active starting materials. Resolution of the racemates can be accomplished, for example, by conventional methods such as crystallization in the presence of a resolving agent, or chromatography, using, for example a chiral HPLC column. Many geometric isomers of olefins, C≡N double bonds, and the like can also be present in the compounds described herein, and all such stable isomers are contemplated in the present invention. Cis and trans geometric isomers of the compounds of the present invention are described and may be isolated as a mixture of isomers or as separated isomeric forms. All chiral (enantiomeric and diastereomeric), and racemic forms, as well as all geometric isomeric forms of a structure are intended, unless the specific stereochemistry or isomeric form is specifically indicated.

The graphic representations of racemic, ambiscalemic and scalemic or enantiomerically pure compounds used herein are taken from Maehr, J. Chem. Ed., 62: 114-120 (1985): solid and broken wedges are used to denote the absolute configuration of a chiral element; wavy lines indicate disavowal of any stereochemical implication which the bond it represents could generate; solid and broken bold lines are geometric descriptors indicating the relative configuration shown but not implying any absolute stereochemistry; and wedge outlines and dotted or broken lines denote enantiomerically pure compounds of indeterminate absolute configuration.

The term “charged group” refers to a group that bears a negative charge or a positive charge. The negative charge or positive charge can have a charge number that is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3 or higher or that is a fractional number. Exemplary charged groups include for example —OPO₃ ²⁻, —OPO₂ ⁻, —P⁺Ph₃, —N⁺R′R″R′″, —S⁺R and —C(O)O⁻.

The compounds herein described may have one or more charged groups. For example, the compounds may be zwitterionic, but may be neutral overall. Other embodiments may have one or more charged groups, depending on the pH and other factors. In these embodiments, the compound may be associated with a suitable counter-ion. It is well known in the art how to prepare salts or exchange counter-ions. Generally, such salts can be prepared by reacting free acid forms of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate base (such as Na, Ca, Mg, or K hydroxide, carbonate, bicarbonate, or the like), or by reacting free base forms of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate acid. Such reactions are typically carried out in water or in an organic solvent, or in a mixture of the two. Counter-ions may be changed, for example, by ion-exchange techniques such as ion-exchange chromatography. All zwitterions, salts and counter-ions are intended, unless the counter-ion or salt is specifically indicated. In certain embodiments, the salt or counter-ion may be pharmaceutically acceptable, for administration to a subject. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are discussed later.

Alternatively, the compounds of the invention may form a compound including one or more charged groups following cleavage of the acid labile moiety.

In some embodiments, the definition of terms used herein is according to IUPAC.

Dual Quencher Probes

In one aspect, the invention provides a nucleic acid probe comprising an oligonucleotide having attached thereto a first quencher and a second quencher, wherein the first quencher is attached at an internal position of the oligonucleotide.

The first quencher and second quencher are as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide further comprises a fluorophore. The fluorophore is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a nucleic acid probe comprising an oligonucleotide having the structure:

5′Y¹-L¹-L^(Q1)-L²-Y²-3′,

in which Y¹ comprises a sequence of two or more DNA or RNA nucleotides; Y² comprises a sequence of two or more DNA or RNA nucleotides. One of Y¹ and Y² has a fluorophore covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to its nucleotide sequence, and the other of Y¹ and Y² has a second quencher covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to its nucleotide sequence. L¹ and L² are independently selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl. L^(Q1) is:

wherein Q¹ is a first quencher. The first quencher, second quencher and fluorophore are as defined herein.

Any of the combinations of Y¹, Y², L¹, L², and L^(Q1) are encompassed by this disclosure and specifically provided by the invention.

In some embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of Y¹ includes a first nucleotide N¹ having a 5′ phosphate covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to a fluorophore or a second quencher, and a second nucleotide N² having a 3′ phosphate covalently attached to L¹.

In some embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of Y² includes a third nucleotide N³ having a 5′ phosphate covalently attached to L², and a fourth nucleotide N⁴ having a 3′ phosphate covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to a second quencher or a fluorophore.

In some embodiments, when the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore, the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the second quencher; and when the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the second quencher, the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid probe further comprises one or more DNA or RNA nucleotides attached to the linker that connects the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹ to the fluorophore or second quencher. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid probe further comprises one or more DNA or RNA nucleotides attached to the linker that connects the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴ to the second quencher or fluorophore.

In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises from 15 to 45 (i.e., 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45) nucleotides. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises from 20 to 30 (i.e., 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30) nucleotides. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide has from 15 to 45 (i.e., 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45) nucleotides (total). In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide has from 20 to 30 (i.e., 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30) nucleotides (total).

In some embodiments, the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore; and the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the second quencher.

In some embodiments, when the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore, Y¹ is a sequence of from 8 to 11 (i.e., 8, 9, 10, or 11) nucleotides. In some embodiments, when the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore, Y¹ is a sequence of 9 nucleotides.

In some embodiments, when the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore, Y¹ is a sequence of from 8 to 11 nucleotides, and Y² is a sequence of from 6 to 24 (i.e., 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24) nucleotides.

In some embodiments, the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the second quencher; and the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore.

In some embodiments, when the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore, Y² is a sequence of from 8 to 11 (i.e., 8, 9, 10, or 11) nucleotides. In some embodiments, when the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore, Y² is a sequence of 9 nucleotides.

In some embodiments, when the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore, Y² is a sequence of from 8 to 11 nucleotides, and Y¹ is a sequence of from 6 to 24 (i.e., 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24) nucleotides.

In some embodiments, L¹ is unsubstituted alkyl. In some embodiments, L¹ is unsubstituted C₁-C₇ (i.e., C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, or C₇) alkyl. In some embodiments, L¹ is unsubstituted C₁-C₃ (i.e., C₁, C₂, or C₃) alkyl. In some embodiments, L¹ is methyl. In some embodiments, L¹ is ethyl. In some embodiments, L¹ is n-propyl.

In some embodiments, L² is unsubstituted alkyl. In some embodiments, L² is unsubstituted C₁-C₇ (i.e., C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, or C₇) alkyl. In some embodiments, L² is unsubstituted C₁-C₃ (i.e., C₁, C₂, or C₃) alkyl. In some embodiments, L² is methyl. In some embodiments, L² is ethyl. In some embodiments, L² is n-propyl.

In some embodiments, L¹ and L² are each the same. In some embodiments, L¹ and L² are different. In some embodiments, L¹ and L² are each methyl. In some embodiments, L¹ and L² are each ethyl. In some embodiments, L¹ and L² are each n-propyl.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid probe is an oligonucleotide having the structure:

5′Y¹-L¹-L^(Q1)-L²-Y²-3′

wherein Y¹, Y², L¹, L², and L^(Q1) are as defined herein.

Quenchers First (Internal) Quencher

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q¹) has a structure comprising at least three residues selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and combinations thereof, wherein at least two of the residues are covalently linked via an exocyclic diazo bond.

In some embodiments, each of the at least three residues is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.

In some embodiments, at least two of the at least three residues are phenyl substituted with at least one unsubstituted C₁-C₆ alkyl moiety.

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q¹) is attached to the oligonucleotide through L³. L³ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q¹) is attached to a nucleotide, which is 8, 9, 10, or 11 nucleotides towards the 3′-terminus from the 5′-terminus of the oligonucleotide.

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q¹) is attached between the 8th and 9th or the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th or the 11th and 12th nucleotides towards the 3′-terminus from the 5′-terminus of the oligonucleotide. In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q¹) is attached between the 9th and 10th nucleotides towards the 3′-terminus from the 5′-terminus of the oligonucleotide.

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q¹) is attached to a nucleotide, which is 8, 9, 10 or 11 nucleotides towards the 5′-terminus from the 3′-terminus of the oligonucleotide.

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q¹) is attached between the 8th and 9th or the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th or the 11th and 12th nucleotides towards the 5′-terminus from the 3′-terminus of the oligonucleotide. In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q¹) is attached between the 9th and 10th nucleotides towards the 5′-terminus from the 3′-terminus of the oligonucleotide.

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q¹) has a structure selected from:

R^(a), R^(b), and R^(c) are independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl. L³ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

In some embodiments, R^(a), R^(b), and R^(c) are independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.

In some embodiments, L³ is a bond.

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q¹) has a structure selected from:

in which, R^(a2), R^(a3), R^(a5), R^(a6), R^(a7), R^(a8), R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b4), R^(b5), R^(b6), R^(b7), R^(b8), R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), R^(c6), R^(c7), and R^(c8) are independently selected from H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, and nitro. L³ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, R^(a2), R^(a3), R^(a5), R^(a6), R^(a7), R^(a8), R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b4), R^(b5), R^(b6), R^(b7), R^(b8), R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), R^(c6), R^(c7), and R^(c8) are independently selected from H, unsubstituted alkyl, and nitro.

In some embodiments, R^(a2), R^(a3), R^(a5), R^(a6), R^(a7), R^(a5), R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b4), R^(b5), R^(b6), R^(b7), R^(b8), R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), R^(c6), R^(c7), and R^(c8) are independently selected from H, unsubstituted C₁-C₄ (i.e., C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄) alkyl, and nitro.

In some embodiments, R^(a2), R^(a3), R^(a5), R^(a6), R^(a7), R^(a5), R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b4), R^(b5), R^(b6), R^(b7), R^(b8), R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), R^(c6), R^(c7), and R^(c8) are independently selected from H, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, and nitro.

In some embodiments, R^(a2), R^(a3), R^(a5), R^(a6), R^(a7) (if present), and R^(a8) (if present) are H.

In some embodiments, R^(b2), R^(b3), b^(b4) (if present), R^(b5), R^(b6), b^(b7) (if present), and R^(b8) (if present) are independently selected from H, unsubstituted C₁-C₄ (i.e., C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄) alkyl, and nitro. In some embodiments, R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b5), R^(b6), R^(b7) (if present), and R^(b8) (if present) are independently selected from H and unsubstituted C₁-C₄ (i.e., C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄) alkyl. In some embodiments, R^(b4) is nitro.

In some embodiments, R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), R^(c6), R^(c7) (if present), and R^(c8) (if present) are independently selected from H, unsubstituted C₁-C₄ (i.e., C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄) alkyl, and nitro. In some embodiments, R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c5), R^(c6), R^(c7) (if present), and R^(c8) (if present) are independently selected from H and unsubstituted C₁-C₄ (i.e., C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄) alkyl.

Any of the combinations of Rae R^(a3), R^(a5), R^(a6), R^(a7), R^(a8), R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b4), R^(b5), R^(b6), R^(b7),

R^(b8), R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), R^(c6), R^(c7), R^(c8) and L³ are encompassed by this disclosure and specifically provided by the invention.

In some embodiments, Q¹ has the structure:

wherein R^(a2), R^(a3), R^(a5), and R^(a8) are H; and R^(b2) R^(b3), R^(b5), R^(b6), R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), R^(c6) and L³ are as defined herein.

In some embodiments, at least one (i.e., one, two, three, or all) of R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b5), and R^(b6) is independently methyl or ethyl or n-propyl or isopropyl or n-butyl or isobutyl or sec-butyl or tert-butyl, and the remainder of R^(b2) R^(b3) R^(b5) and R^(b6) are H. In some embodiments, one of R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b5), and R^(b6) is methyl or ethyl or n-propyl or isopropyl or n-butyl or isobutyl or sec-butyl or tert-butyl, and the remainder of R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b5), and R^(b6) are H.

In some embodiments, at least one (i.e., one, two, three, four, or all) of R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), and R^(c6) is independently methyl or ethyl or n-propyl or isopropyl or n-butyl or isobutyl or sec-butyl or tert-butyl, and the remainder of R are H. In some embodiments, one of R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), and R^(c6) is methyl or ethyl or n-propyl or isopropyl or n-butyl or isobutyl or sec-butyl or tert-butyl, and the remainder of R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), and R^(c6) are H.

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q¹) has the structure:

wherein R^(b2), R^(c2), R^(c4) and L³ as L are defined herein.

In some embodiments, R^(e4) is H. In some embodiments, R^(b2) and R^(c8) are independently methyl or ethyl or n-propyl or isopropyl or n-butyl or isobutyl or sec-butyl or tert-butyl; and R^(c4) is H.

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q¹) has a structure selected from:

wherein L³ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q′) has the structure:

Second Quencher

In some embodiments, the second quencher has a structure comprising at least three residues selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and combinations thereof, wherein at least two of the residues are covalently linked via an exocyclic diazo bond.

In some embodiments, the second quencher is attached to the oligonucleotide through L⁴. L⁴ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the second quencher has the structure:

wherein R^(e2), R^(e5), R^(f2), and R^(f4) are independently selected from H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, and nitro; and L⁴ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

In some embodiments, R^(e2) and R^(e5) are independently selected from H, unsubstituted alkyl, and unsubstituted alkoxy. In some embodiments, R^(e2) and R^(e5) are independently selected from H, unsubstituted C₁-C₄ (i.e., C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄) alkyl, and unsubstituted C₁-C₄ (i.e., C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄) alkoxy. In some embodiments, R^(e2) and R^(e5) are independently selected from H, methyl, and methoxy.

In some embodiments, R^(f2) and R^(f4) are independently selected from H, unsubstituted alkyl, and nitro. In some embodiments, R^(f2) and R^(f4) are independently selected from H, unsubstituted C₁-C₄ (i.e., C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄) alkyl, and nitro. In some embodiments, R^(f2) and R^(f4) are independently selected from H, methyl, and nitro.

In some embodiments, R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R^(e5) is H; R^(f2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; and R^(f4) is H.

In some embodiments, R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R^(e5) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R^(f2) is nitro; and R^(f4) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl.

In some embodiments, R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R^(e5) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R^(f2) is H; and R^(f4) is nitro.

In some embodiments, L⁴ is a substituted or unsubstituted dialkylamine.

In some embodiments, L⁴ has the structure:

wherein L^(N) is selected from substituted or unsubstituted alkyl and substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl; and R^(N) is selected from H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl.

In some embodiments, the attachment point at the nitrogen atom shown in the formula above is the attachment point to the phenyl moiety of the second quencher. In some embodiments, L^(N) is unsubstituted alkyl. In some embodiments, L^(N) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ (i.e., C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄) alkyl. In some embodiments, L^(N) is ethyl.

In some embodiments, R^(N) is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl. In some embodiments, R^(N) is substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₄ (i.e., C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄) alkyl. In some embodiments, R^(N) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ (i.e., C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄) hydroxyalkyl. In some embodiments, R^(N) is ethyl. In some embodiments, R^(N) is 2-hydroxyethyl.

In some embodiments, the second quencher has the structure:

wherein R^(e2), R^(e5), R^(f2), R^(f4), L^(N) and R^(N) are as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the second quencher has the structure:

wherein L⁴ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the second quencher has the structure:

The second quencher can be derived from a quencher reagent, for example through reaction of a reactive functional group on the quencher reagent with a reactive functional group of complementary reactivity on the oligonucleotide or on a linker attached to the oligonucleotide.

In some embodiments, the second quencher is (derived from) a BHQ (Black Hole Quencher®; Biosearch Technologies, Inc.), such as a quencher described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,019,129. In some embodiments, the second quencher is a BHQ-0, BHQ-1, BHQ-2, or BHQ-3 derivative having the structure:

wherein L⁴ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the second quencher is (derived from) a quencher described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/990,913; filed May 9, 2014; titled “Cosmic Quenchers.” In some embodiments, the second quencher has the structure:

wherein L⁴ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the second quencher is (derived from) a BlackBerry Quencher (BBQ-650®; Berry & Associates, Inc.; described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,879,986). In some embodiments, the second quencher has the structure:

wherein L⁴ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the structure of the second quencher is any of the structures shown herein for the first quencher (Q′).

In some embodiments, the second quencher is (derived from) Dabcyl, Dabsyl, Eclipse® quencher, Iowa Black® FQ, Iowa Black® RQ-n1, or Iowa Black® RQ-n2.

In some embodiments, the second quencher is attached to the 3′- or the 5′-terminus of the oligonucleotide. In some embodiments, the second quencher is attached to the 3′-terminus of the oligonucleotide.

In some embodiments, the second quencher is attached to the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴ or to the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹. In some embodiments, the second quencher is attached to the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴.

Fluorophore

One of the advantages of the compounds of the invention is that a wide range of energy donor molecules can be used in conjunction with the quencher-functionalized nucleic acid probes and oligonucleotides. A vast array of fluorophores is known to those of skill in the art. See, for example, Cardullo et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85: 8790-8794 (1988); Dexter, D. L., J. of Chemical Physics 21: 836-850 (1953); Hochstrasser et al., Biophysical Chemistry 45: 133-141 (1992); Selvin, P., Methods in Enzymology 246: 300-334 (1995); Steinberg, I. Ann. Rev. Biochem., 40: 83-114 (1971); Stryer, L. Ann. Rev. Biochem., 47: 819-846 (1978); Wang et al., Tetrahedron Letters 31: 6493-6496 (1990); Wang et al., Anal. Chem. 67: 1197-1203 (1995).

A non-limiting list of exemplary donors that can be used in conjunction with the quenchers of the invention is provided in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Suitable moieties that can be selected as donors or acceptors in donor-acceptor energy transfer pairs 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′disulfonic acid acridine and derivatives: acridine acridine isothiocyanate 5-(2′-aminoethyl)aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (EDANS) 4-amino-N-[3-vinylsulfonyl)phenyl]naphthalimide-3,5 disulfonate N-(4-anilino-1-naphthyl)maleimide anthranilamide BODIPY Brilliant Yellow coumarin and derivatives: coumarin 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (AMC, Coumarin 120) 7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcouluarin (Coumaran 151) cyanine dyes cyanosine 4′,6-diaminidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) 5′,5″-dibromopyrogallol-sulfonaphthalein (Bromopyrogallol Red) 7-diethylamino-3-(4′-isothiocyanatophenyl)-4-methylcoumarin diethylenetriamine pentaacetate 4,4′-diisothiocyanatodihydro-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid 5-[dimethylamino]naphthalene-1-sulfonyl chloride (DNS, dansylchloride) 4-(4′-dimethylaminophenylazo)benzoic acid (DABCYL) 4-dimethylaminophenylazophenyl-4′-isothiocyanate (DABITC) eosin and derivatives: eosin eosin isothiocyanate erythrosin and derivatives: erythrosin B erythrosin isothiocyanate ethidium fluorescein and derivatives: 5-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) 5-(4,6-dichlorotriazin-2-yl)aminofluorescein (DTAF) 2′,7′-dimethoxy-4′5′-dichloro-6-carboxyfluorescein (JOE) fluorescein fluorescein isothiocyanate QFITC (XRITC) fluorescamine IR144 IR1446 Malachite Green isothiocyanate 4-methylumbelliferone ortho cresolphthalein nitrotyrosine pararosaniline Phenol Red B-phycoerythrin o-phthaldialdehyde pyrene and derivatives: pyrene pyrene butyrate succinimidyl 1-pyrene butyrate quantum dots Reactive Red 4 (Cibacron ™ Brilliant Red 3B-A) rhodamine and derivatives: 6-carboxy-X-rhodamine (ROX) 6-carboxyrhodamine (R6G) lissamine rhodamine B sulfonyl chloride rhodamine (Rhod) rhodamine B rhodamine 123 rhodamine X isothiocyanate sulforhodamine B sulforhodamine 101 sulfonyl chloride derivative of sulforhodamine 101 (Texas Red) N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-6-carboxyrhodamine (TAMRA) tetramethyl rhodamine tetramethyl rhodamine isothiocyanate (TRITC) riboflavin rosolic acid metal chelates, e.g., lanthanide chelates (e.g., europium terbium chelates), ruthenium chlelates

There is a great deal of practical guidance available in the literature for selecting appropriate donor-acceptor pairs for particular probes, as exemplified by the following references: Pesce et al., Eds., FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY (Marcel Dekker, New York, 1971); White et al., FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS: A PRACTICAL APPROACH (Marcel Dekker, New York, 1970); and the like. The literature also includes references providing exhaustive lists of fluorescent and chromogenic molecules and their relevant optical properties for choosing reporter-quencher pairs (see, for example, Berlman, HANDBOOK OF FLUORESCENCE SPECTRA OF AROMATIC MOLECULES, 2nd Edition (Academic Press, New York, 1971); Griffiths, COLOUR AND CONSTITUTION OF ORGANIC MOLECULES (Academic Press, New York, 1976); Bishop, Ed., INDICATORS (Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1972); Haugland, HANDBOOK OF FLUORESCENT PROBES AND RESEARCH CHEMICALS (Molecular Probes, Eugene, 1992) Pringsheim, FLUORESCENCE AND PHOSPHORESCENCE (Interscience Publishers, New York, 1949); and the like. Further, there is extensive guidance in the literature for derivatizing reporter and quencher molecules for covalent attachment via common reactive groups that can be added to a nucleic acid, as exemplified by the following references: Haugland (supra); Ullman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,996,345; Khanna et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,760. Thus, it is well within the abilities of those of skill in the art to choose an energy exchange pair for a particular application and to conjugate the members of this pair to a probe molecule, such as, for example, a nucleic acid, peptide or other polymer.

Generally, it is preferred that an absorbance band of the quencher substantially overlap the fluorescence emission band of the donor. When the donor (fluorophore) is a component of a probe that utilizes donor-acceptor energy transfer, the donor fluorescent moiety and the quencher (acceptor) of the invention are preferably selected so that the donor and acceptor moieties exhibit donor-acceptor energy transfer when the donor moiety is excited. One factor to be considered in choosing the fluorophore-quencher pair is the efficiency of donor-acceptor energy transfer between them. Preferably, the efficiency of FRET between the donor and acceptor moieties is at least 10%, more preferably at least 50% and even more preferably at least 80%. The efficiency of FRET can easily be empirically tested using the methods both described herein and known in the art.

The efficiency of energy transfer between the donor-acceptor pair can also be adjusted by changing the ability of the donor and acceptor groups to dimerize or closely associate. If the donor and acceptor moieties are known or determined to closely associate, an increase or decrease in association can be promoted by adjusting the length of a linker moiety, or of the probe itself, between the donor and acceptor. The ability of donor-acceptor pair to associate can be increased or decreased by tuning the hydrophobic or ionic interactions, or the steric repulsions in the probe construct. Thus, intramolecular interactions responsible for the association of the donor-acceptor pair can be enhanced or attenuated. Thus, for example, the association between the donor-acceptor pair can be increased by, for example, utilizing a donor bearing an overall negative charge and an acceptor with an overall positive charge.

In addition to fluorophores that are attached directly to a probe, the fluorophores can also be attached by indirect means. In this embodiment, a ligand molecule (e.g., biotin) is generally covalently bound to the probe species. The ligand then binds to another molecules (e.g., streptavidin) molecule, which is either inherently detectable or covalently bound to a signal system, such as a fluorescent compound, or an enzyme that produces a fluorescent compound by conversion of a non-fluorescent compound. Useful enzymes of interest as labels include, for example, hydrolases, particularly phosphatases, esterases and glycosidases, hydrolases, peptidases or oxidases, particularly peroxidases, and Fluorescent compounds include fluorescein and its derivatives, rhodamine and its derivatives, dansyl, umbelliferone, etc., as discussed above. For a review of various labeling or signal producing systems that can be used, see, U.S. Pat. No. 4,391,904.

Donors of use in conjunction with the quenchers of the invention, include, for example, xanthene dyes, including fluoresceins, cyanine dyes and rhodamine dyes. Many suitable forms of these compounds are widely available commercially with substituents on their phenyl moieties, which can be used as the site for bonding or as the bonding functionality for attachment to an nucleic acid. Another group of fluorescent compounds of use in conjunction with the quenchers of the invention are the naphthylamines, having an amino group in the alpha or beta position. Included among such naphthylamino compounds are 1-dimethylaminonaphthyl-5-sulfonate, 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate and 2-p-touidinyl-6-naphthalene sulfonate. Other donors include 3-phenyl-7-isocyanatocoumarin, acridines, such as 9-isothiocyanatoacridine and acridine orange; N-(p-(2-benzoxazolyl)phenyl)maleimide; benzoxadiazoles, stilbenes, pyrenes, and the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, in which the probe is a nucleic acid probe, the fluorophore is a fluorescein (e.g., FAM). The fluorophore is preferably attached to either the 3′- or the 5′-terminus of the nucleic acid, although internal sites are also accessible and have utility for selected purposes. Whichever terminus the fluorophore is attached to, the quencher will generally be attached to its antipode, or at a position internal to the nucleic acid chain. Donor groups are preferably introduced using an amidite derivative of the donor. Alternatively, donor groups comprising reactive functional groups (e.g., isothiocyanates, active esters, etc.) can be introduced via reaction with a reactive functional group on a tether or linker arm attached to the nucleic acid (e.g., hexyl amine).

In yet another preferred embodiment, the donor moiety can be attached at the 3′-terminus of a nucleic acid by the use of a derivatized synthesis support. For example, TAMRA (tetramethylrhodamine carboxylic acid) is attached to a nucleic acid 3′-terminus using a solid support that is derivatized with an analogue of this fluorophore (Biosearch Technologies, Inc.)

In view of the well-developed body of literature concerning the conjugation of small molecules to nucleic acids, many other methods of attaching donor/acceptor pairs to nucleic acids will be apparent to those of skill in the art. For example, rhodamine and fluorescein dyes are conveniently attached to the 5′-hydroxyl of a nucleic acid at the conclusion of solid phase synthesis by way of dyes derivatized with a phosphoramidite moiety (see, for example, Woo et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,191; and Hobbs, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,928).

More specifically, there are many linker moieties and methodologies for attaching groups to the 5′- or 3′-termini of nucleic acids, as exemplified by the following references: Eckstein, editor, Nucleic acids and Analogues: A Practical Approach (IRL Press, Oxford, 1991); Zuckerman et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 15: 5305-5321 (1987) (3′-thiol group on nucleic acid); Sharma et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 19: 3019 (1991) (3′-sulfhydryl); Giusti et al., PCR Methods and Applications, 2: 223-227 (1993) and Fung et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,141 (5′-phosphoamino group via Aminolink™ II available from P.E. Biosystems, CA.) Stabinsky, U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,044 (3-aminoalkylphosphoryl group); Agrawal et al., Tetrahedron Letters, 31: 1543-1546 (1990) (attachment via phosphoramidate linkages); Sproat et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 15: 4837 (1987) (5-mercapto group); Nelson et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 17: 7187-7194 (1989) (3′-amino group), and the like.

Means of detecting fluorescent labels are well known to those of skill in the art. Thus, for example, fluorescent labels can be detected by exciting the fluorophore with the appropriate wavelength of light and detecting the resulting fluorescence. The fluorescence can be detected visually, by means of photographic film, by the use of electronic detectors such as charge coupled devices (CCDs) or photomultipliers and the like. Similarly, enzymatic labels may be detected by providing the appropriate substrates for the enzyme and detecting the resulting reaction product.

The fluorophore can be a non-protein organic fluorophore or a fluorescent protein. Exemplary families of non-protein organic fluorophores are: Xanthene derivatives (such as fluorescein, rhodamine, Oregon green, eosin, and Texas red), cyanine derivatives (such as cyanine, indocarbocyanine, oxacarbocyanine, thiacarbocyanine, and merocyanine), squaraine derivatives and ring-substituted squaraines (including Seta, SeTau, and Square dyes), naphthalene derivatives (such as dansyl and prodan derivatives), coumarin derivatives, oxadiazole derivatives (such as pyridyloxazole, nitrobenzoxadiazole and benzoxadiazole), anthracene derivatives (such as anthraquinones, including DRAQS, DRAQ7 and CyTRAK Orange), pyrene derivatives (such as cascade blue), oxazine derivatives (such as Nile red, Nile blue, cresyl violet, and oxazine 170), acridine derivatives (such as proflavin, acridine orange, and acridine yellow), arylmethine derivatives (such as auramine, crystal violet, and malachite green), and tetrapyrrole derivatives (such as porphin, phthalocyanine, and bilirubin).

In some embodiments, the fluorophore is (derived from) 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM), 2′7′-dimethoxy-4′5′-dichloro-6-carboxyfluorescein (JOE), tetrachlorofluorescein (TET), 6-carboxyrhodamine (R6G), N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-6-carboxyrhodamine (TAMRA), 6-carboxy-X-rhodamine (ROX), 1-dimethylaminonaphthyl-5-sulfonate, 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate, 2-p-toluidinyl-6-naphthalene sulfonate, 5-(2′-aminoethyl)aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (EDANS), a coumarin dye, an acridine dye, indodicarbocyanine 3 (Cy3), indodicarbocyanine 5 (Cy5), indodicarbocyanine 5.5 (Cy5.5), 3-(1-carboxy-pentyl)-3′-ethyl-5,5′-dimethyloxacarbocyanine (CyA), 1H,5H,11H,15H-Xantheno[2,3,4-ij:5,6,7-i′j′]diquinolizin-18-ium, 9-[2(or 4)-[[[6-[2,5-dioxo-1-pyrrolidinyl)oxy]-6-oxohexyl]amino]sulfonyl]-4(or 2)-sulfophenyl]-2,3,6,7,12,13,16,17-octahydro-inner salt (TR or Texas Red), a BODIPY dye, benzoxaazole, stilbene, or pyrene.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore is derived from 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM). In some embodiments, the fluorophore comprises a fluorescein moiety.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore is attached to the oligonucleotide through L⁵. L⁵ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore has the structure:

wherein L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

In some embodiments, L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore has the structure:

In some embodiments, the fluorophore is derived from 6-carboxy-tetrachlorofluorescein. In some embodiments, the fluorophore comprises a tetrachlorofluorescein (TET) moiety.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore is attached to the oligonucleotide through L⁵. L⁵ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore has the structure:

wherein L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

In some embodiments, L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore has the structure:

In some embodiments, the fluorophore is (derived from) a xanthene dye described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,344,701.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore is (derived from) CAL Fluor® Gold 540 (LGC Biosearch Technologies). In some embodiments, the fluorophore comprises a CAL Fluor® Gold 540 (LGC Biosearch Technologies) moiety.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore is attached to the oligonucleotide through L⁵. L⁵ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore has the structure:

wherein L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

In some embodiments, L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore has the structure:

In some embodiments, the fluorophore is (derived from) CAL Fluor® Orange 560 (LGC Biosearch Technologies). In some embodiments, the fluorophore comprises a CAL Fluor® Orange 560 (LGC Biosearch Technologies) moiety.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore is attached to the oligonucleotide through L⁵. L⁵ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore has the structure:

wherein L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

In some embodiments, L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore has the structure:

In some embodiments, the fluorophore is derived from 6-carboxy-2′,4,4′,5′,7,7′-hexachlorofluorescein (HEX). In some embodiments, the fluorophore comprises a 6-carboxy-2′,4,4′,5′,7,7′-hexachlorofluorescein (HEX) moiety.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore is attached to the oligonucleotide through L⁵. L⁵ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore has the structure:

wherein L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

In some embodiments, L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore has the structure:

In some embodiments, the fluorophore has a structure selected from:

L⁵ is as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the fluorophore has a structure selected from:

In some embodiments, the fluorophore is attached to the 5′- or the 3′-terminus of the oligonucleotide. In some embodiments, the fluorophore is attached to the 5′-terminus of the oligonucleotide. In some embodiments, the fluorophore is attached to the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹ or to the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴. In some embodiments, the fluorophore is attached to the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹.

Exemplary Quencher/Fluorophore Combinations

Any of the combinations of the first quencher (Q¹), the second quencher, and the fluorophore as defined herein are encompassed by this disclosure and specifically provided by the invention.

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q′) has the structure:

the second quencher has the structure:

and the fluorophore has a structure selected from:

L³, L⁴, and L⁵ are as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q′) has the structure:

the second quencher has the structure:

and the fluorophore has a structure selected from:

In some embodiments, the first quencher (Q¹) has the structure:

the second quencher has the structure:

and the fluorophore has the structure:

Oligomers

Also provided is a nucleic acid oligomer, e.g., a probe. Exemplary oligomers include two quenchers (i.e., a first and a second quencher) covalently attached thereto, each optionally through a linker. Exemplary oligomers include two quenchers (i.e., a first and a second quencher) and a fluorophore covalently attached thereto, each optionally through a linker.

Exemplary oligomers include oligonucleotides, oligonucleosides, oligodeoxyribonucleotides (containing 2′-deoxy-D-ribose or modified forms thereof), i.e.,

DNA, oligoribonucleotides (containing D-ribose or modified forms thereof), i.e., RNA, and any other type of polynucleotide which is an N-glycoside or C-glycoside of a purine or pyrimidine nucleobase, or modified purine or pyrimidine nucleobase. Oligomer as used herein also includes compounds where adjacent nucleomonomers are linked via amide linkages as previously described (Nielsen et al., Science (1991) 254:1497-1500). Elements ordinarily found in oligomers, such as the furanose ring and/or the phosphodiester linkage can be replaced with any suitable functionally equivalent element. “Oligomer” is thus intended to include any structure that serves as a scaffold or support for the nucleobases wherein the scaffold permits binding to target nucleic acids in a sequence-dependent manner.

Exemplary groups linking nucleomonomers in an oligomer of the invention include (i) phosphodiester and phosphodiester modifications (phosphorothioate, methylphosphonate, etc), (ii) substitute linkages that contain a non-phosphorous isostere (formacetal, riboacetal, carbamate, etc), (iii) morpholino residues, carbocyclic residues or other furanose sugars, such as arabinose, or a hexose in place of ribose or deoxyribose and (iv) nucleomonomers linked via amide bonds or acyclic nucleomonomers linked via any suitable substitute linkage.

The oligomers of the invention can be formed using modified and conventional nucleomonomers and synthesized using standard solid phase (or solution phase) oligomer synthesis techniques, which are now commercially available. In general, the oligomers can be synthesized by a method comprising the steps of: synthesizing a nucleomonomer or oligomer synthon having a protecting group and a nucleobase and a coupling group capable of coupling to a nucleomonomer or oligomer; coupling the nucleomonomer or oligomer synthon to an acceptor nucleomonomer or an acceptor oligomer; removing the protecting group; and repeating the cycle as needed until the desired oligomer is synthesized.

The oligomers of the present invention can be of any length including those of greater than 40, 50 or 100 nucleomonomers. In various embodiments, oligomers contain 2-100 nucleomonomers. Lengths of greater than or equal to about 10 to 40 nucleomonomers are useful for therapeutic or diagnostic applications. Short oligomers containing 2, 3, 4 or 5 nucleomonomers are specifically included in the present invention and are useful, e.g., as synthons.

Oligomers having a randomized sequence and containing fewer than 20, fewer than 15 or fewer than 10 nucleomonomers are useful for primers, e.g., in cloning or amplification protocols that use random sequence primers, provided that the oligomer contains residues that can serve as a primer for polymerases or reverse transcriptases.

Oligomers can contain conventional phosphodiester linkages or can contain phosphodiester modification such as phosphoramidate linkages. These substitute linkages include, but are not limited to, embodiments wherein a moiety of the formula —O—P(O)(S)—O—(“Phosphorothioate”), —O—P(S)(S)—O— (“phosphorodithioate”), —O—P(O)— (NR^(o) ₂)—X—,)) —O—P(O)(R^(o))—O—O—P(S)(R^(o)—O— (“thionoalkylphosphonate”), —P(O)(OR^(p))—X—, —O—C(O)—X—, or —O—C(O)(NR^(p) ₂)—X—, wherein R^(o) is H (or a salt) or alkyl (C₁-C₁₂) and R^(p) is alkyl (C₁-C₉) and the linkage is joined to adjacent nucleomonomers through an —O— or —S— bonded to a carbon of the nucleomonomer. In various embodiments, the substitute linkages for use in the oligomers of the present invention include phosphodiester, phosphorothioate, methylphosphonate and thionomethylphosphonate linkages. Phosphorothioate and methylphosphonate linkages confer added stability to the oligomer in physiological environments. While not all such linkages in the same oligomer need be identical, particularly preferred oligomers of the invention contain uniformly phosphorothioate linkages or uniformly methylphosphonate linkages.

Oligomers or the segments thereof are conventionally synthesized, and can be prepared using a compound of the invention. The synthetic methods known in the art and described herein can be used to synthesize oligomers containing compounds of the invention, as well as other nucleobases known in the art, using appropriately protected nucleomonomers. Methods for the synthesis of oligomers are found, for example, in Froehler, B., et al., Nucleic Acids Res. (1986) 14:5399-5467; Nucleic Acids Res. (1988) 16:4831-4839; Nucleosides and Nucleotides (1987) 6:287-291; Froehler, B., Tetrahedron Lett. (1986) 27:5575-5578; Caruthers, M. H. in Oligodeoxynucleotides-Antisense Inhibitions of Gene Expression (1989), J. S. Cohen, editor, CRC Press, Boca Raton, p7-24; Reese, C. B. et al., Tetrahedron Lett. (1985) 26:2245-2248. Synthesis of the methylphosphonate linked oligomers via methyl phosphonamidite chemistry has also been described (Agrawal, S. et al., Tetrahedron Lett. (1987) 28:3539-3542; Klem, R. E., et al., International Publication Number WO 92/07864).

As disclosed herein, the invention provides “conjugates” of oligomers. For instance, the oligomers can be covalently linked to various functional components such as, stabilizing moieties, fluorophores, quenchers, intercalators, and substances which interact specifically with the minor groove of the DNA double helix (minor groove binders, “MGB”). Other chosen conjugate moieties, can be labels such as radioactive, fluorescent, enzyme, or moieties which facilitate cell association using cleavage linkers and the like. Suitable radiolabels include ³²P, ³⁵S, ³H and ¹⁴C; and suitable fluorescent labels include fluorescein, resorufin, rhodamine, BODIPY (Molecular Probes) and texas red; suitable enzymes include alkaline phosphatase and horseradish peroxidase. Additional fluorophores are set forth herein and are generally recognized in the art. Other covalently linked moieties include biotin, antibodies or antibody fragments, and proteins, e.g., transferrin and the HIV Tat protein.

As discussed herein and recognized in the art, the oligomers can be derivatized through any convenient linkage. For example, minor groove binders, fluorophores, quenchers and intercalators, such as acridine or psoralen can be linked to the oligomers of the invention through any available —OH or —SH, e.g., at the terminal 5′-position of the oligomer, the 2′-positions of RNA, or an OH, NH₂, COOH or SH incorporated into the 5-position of pyrimidines. A derivatized form which contains, for example, —CH₂CH₂NH₂, —CH₂CH₂CH₂OH or —CH₂CH₂CH₂SH in the 5-position is of use in the present invention. Conjugates including polylysine or lysine can be synthesized as described and can further enhance the binding affinity of an oligomer to its target nucleic acid sequence (Lemaitre, M. et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci (1987) 84:648-652; Lemaitre, M. et al., Nucleosides and Nucleotides (1987) 6:311-315).

A wide variety of substituents can be attached, including those bound through linkages or substitute linkages. The —OH moieties in the phosphodiester linkages of the oligomers can be replaced by phosphate groups, protected by standard protecting groups, or coupling groups to prepare additional linkages to other nucleomonomers, or can be bound to the conjugated substituent. The 5′-terminal OH can be phosphorylated; the 2′-OH or OH substituents at the 3′-terminus can also be phosphorylated. The hydroxyls can also be derivatized to standard protecting groups.

Oligomers of the invention can be covalently derivatized to moieties that facilitate cell association using cleavable linkers. Linkers used for such conjugates can include disulfide linkages that are reduced after the oligomer-transport agent conjugate has entered a cell. Disulfide-containing linkers of this type have a controllable half life. Such linkers are stable under extracellular conditions relative to intracellular conditions due to the redox potential of the disulfide linkage.

Reactive Functional Groups

The components of the compounds of the invention (e.g., linkers, nucleoside, nucleotide, oligonucleotide, nucleic acid, carrier molecule, and solid support) may be linked through linkage sites formed by reaction of a first and a second reactive functional group. The reactive functional groups are of complementary reactivity, and they react to form a covalent link between two components of the compounds, referred to herein as a linkage site. For example, compounds according to Formula (I) or (II) wherein R^(x) or R^(s) is a reactive functional group can be reacted with a reactive functional group of complementary reactivity on another component (such as a linker, nucleoside, nucleotide, oligonucleotide, nucleic acid, carrier molecule, and solid support) to covalently join the components through the resulting linkage site. The reactive functional group of complementary reactivity can be located at any position of the other component (linker, nucleoside etc.), e.g., an alkyl or heteroalkyl an aryl or heteroaryl nucleus or a substituent on an aryl or heteroaryl nucleus. In various embodiments, when the reactive group is attached to an alkyl (or heteroalkyl), or substituted alkyl (or heteroalkyl) chain, the reactive group is preferably located at a terminal position of the chain.

Reactive groups and classes of reactions useful in practicing the present invention are generally those that are well known in the art of bioconjugate chemistry. Currently favored classes of reactions available with reactive precursors of the oligomers of the invention are those which proceed under relatively mild conditions. These include, but are not limited to nucleophilic substitutions (e.g., reactions of amines and alcohols with acyl halides, active esters), electrophilic substitutions (e.g., enamine reactions) and additions to carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom multiple bonds (e.g., Michael reaction, Diels-Alder addition). These and other useful reactions are discussed in, for example, March, ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, 3rd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1985; Hermanson, BIOCONJUGATE TECHNIQUES, Academic Press, San Diego, 1996; and Feeney et al., MODIFICATION OF PROTEINS; Advances in Chemistry Series, Vol. 198, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C., 1982.

By way of example, reactive functional groups of use in the present invention include, but are not limited to olefins, acetylenes, alcohols, phenols, ethers, oxides, halides, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, cyanates, isocyanates, thiocyanates, isothiocyanates, amines, hydrazines, hydrazones, hydrazides, diazo, diazonium, nitro, nitriles, mercaptans, sulfides, disulfides, sulfoxides, sulfones, sulfonic acids, sulfinic acids, acetals, ketals, anhydrides, sulfates, sulfenic acids isonitriles, amidines, imides, imidates, nitrones, hydroxylamines, oximes, hydroxamic acids thiohydroxamic acids, allenes, ortho esters, sulfites, enamines, ynamines, ureas, pseudoureas, semicarbazides, carbodiimides, carbamates, imines, azides, azo compounds, azoxy compounds, and nitroso compounds. Reactive functional groups also include those used to prepare bioconjugates, e.g., N-hydroxysuccinimide esters, maleimides and the like. Methods to prepare each of these functional groups are well known in the art and their application to or modification for a particular purpose is within the ability of one of skill in the art (see, for example, Sandler and Karo, eds. ORGANIC FUNCTIONAL GROUP PREPARATIONS, Academic Press, San Diego, 1989).

Useful reactive functional group conversions include, for example:

-   -   (a) carboxyl groups which are readily converted to various         derivatives including, but not limited to, active esters (e.g.,         N-hydroxysuccinimide esters, N-hydroxybenztriazole esters,         thioesters, p-nitrophenyl esters), acid halides, acyl         imidazoles, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and aromatic esters;     -   (b) hydroxyl groups, which can be converted to esters, ethers,         halides, aldehydes, etc.     -   (c) haloalkyl groups, wherein the halide can be later displaced         with a nucleophilic group such as, for example, an amine, a         carboxylate anion, thiol anion, carbanion, or an alkoxide ion,         thereby resulting in the covalent attachment of a new group at         the site of the halogen atom;     -   (d) dienophile groups, which are capable of participating in         Diels-Alder reactions such as, for example, maleimido groups;     -   (e) aldehyde or ketone groups, such that subsequent         derivatization is possible via formation of carbonyl derivatives         such as, for example, imines, hydrazones, semicarbazones or         oximes, or via such mechanisms as Grignard addition or         alkyllithium addition;     -   (f) sulfonyl halide groups for subsequent reaction with amines,         for example, to form sulfonamides;     -   (g) thiol groups, which can be, for example, converted to         disulfides or reacted with acyl halides;     -   (h) amine or sulfhydryl groups, which can be, for example,         acylated, alkylated or oxidized;     -   (i) alkenes, which can undergo, for example, cycloadditions,         acylation, Michael addition, etc;     -   (j) epoxides, which can react with, for example, amines and         hydroxyl compounds; and     -   (k) phosphoramidites and other standard functional groups useful         in nucleic acid synthesis.

The reactive functional groups can be chosen such that they do not participate in, or interfere with, the reactions necessary to assemble the oligomer of the invention. Alternatively, a reactive functional group can be protected from participating in the reaction by the presence of a protecting group. Those of skill in the art understand how to protect a particular functional group such that it does not interfere with a chosen set of reaction conditions. For examples of useful protecting groups, see, for example, Greene et al., PROTECTIVE GROUPS IN ORGANIC SYNTHESIS, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1991.

Covalent Bonding Moiety

Included in some of the oligomers of the invention is a reactive functional group moiety which is capable of effecting at least one covalent bond between the oligomer and a target sequence. Multiple covalent bonds can also be formed by providing a multiplicity of such moieties. The covalent bond is preferably to a nucleobase residue in the target strand, but can also be made with other portions of the target, including the sugar or phosphodiester. The reaction nature of the moiety which effects crosslinker determines the nature of the target in the duplex. Preferred crosslinker moieties include acylating and alkylating agents, and, in particular, those positioned relative to the sequence specificity-conferring portion so as to permit reaction with the target location in the strand.

The crosslinker moiety can conveniently be placed as an analogous pyrimidine or purine residue in the sequence of the oligomer. The placement can be at the 5′- and/or 3′-ends, the internal portions of the sequence, or combinations of the above. Placement at the termini to permit enhanced flexibility is preferred. Analogous moieties can also be attached to peptide backbones.

Exemplary of alkylating moieties that are useful in the invention include N⁴,N⁴-ethanocytosine and N⁶,N⁶-ethanoadenine.

It is clear that the nucleobase need not be a purine or pyrimidine; indeed the moiety to which the reactive function is attached need not be a nucleobase at all and may be a sugar, a linker, a quencher, a stabilizing moiety a fluorophore or some combination of these components of the oligomers of the invention. Any means of attaching the reactive group is satisfactory so long as the positioning is correct.

Synthesis

Compounds of the invention (such as solid supports, monomers (e.g., phosphoramidites) and oligomers of the invention or the segments thereof) are generally conventionally synthesized. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,019,129; U.S. Pat. No. 8,466,266; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,879,986. The synthetic methods known in the art and described herein can be used to synthesize oligomers containing compounds of the invention, as well as other nucleobases known in the art, using appropriately protected nucleomonomers. Methods for the synthesis of oligomers are found, for example, in Froehler, B., et al., Nucleic Acids Res. (1986) 14:5399-5467; Nucleic Acids Res. (1988) 16:4831-4839; Nucleosides and Nucleotides (1987) 6:287-291; Froehler, B., Tetrahedron Letters (1986) 27:5575-5578; Caruthers, M. H. in Oligodeoxynucleotides-Antisense Inhibitions of Gene Expression (1989), J. S. Cohen, editor, CRC Press, Boca Raton, p7-24; Reese, C. B. et al., Tetrahedron Letters (1985) 28:2245-2248. Synthesis of the methylphosphonate linked oligomers via methyl phosphonamidite chemistry has also been described (Agrawal, S. et al., Tetrahedron Letters (1987) 28:3539-3542; Klem, R. E., et al., International Publication Number WO 92/07864).

In an exemplary embodiment, nucleomonomers are directly incorporated into oligomers or a convenient fragment thereof using standard synthesis conditions and reagents. Exemplary linkages made by this method include phosphodiester, phosphorothioate, phosphoroamidate, methylphosphonate, phosphorodithioate, carbonate, morpholino carbamate and sulfonate.

In various embodiments, synthesis involves synthesis of short synthons (dimers, trimers, etc.) starting with an appropriate precursor. This approach is suitable for synthesis of linkages including N-methylhydroxylamine, dimethylhydrazo, sulfamate, carbamate, sulfonate, sulfonamide, formacetal thioformacetal and carbonate.

Oligomers of the invention can be synthesized by any suitable chemistry including amidite, triester or hydrogen phosphonate coupling methods and conditions. The oligomers are preferably synthesized from appropriate starting synthons which are preferably protected at the 5′-position with DMT, MMT, FMOC (9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl), PACO (phenoxyacetyl), a silyl ether such as TBDMS (t-butyldiphenylsilyl) or TMS (trimethylsilyl) and activated at the 3′-position is an ester, H-phosphonate, an amidite such as (3-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, a silyl ether such as TBDMS or TMS or t-butyldiphenyl. Alternatively, appropriate uridine or cytidine precursors such as blocked 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine, 5-iodo-2′-O-alkyluridine, 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine, 5-trifluoromethanesulfonate-2′-deoxyuridine, 5-bromo-2′-O-alkyluridine or blocked and protected 5-iodo-2′-deoxycytidine, 5-bromo-2′-deoxycytidine, 5-trifluoromethanesulfonate-2′-deoxycytidine, 5-iodo-2′-O-alkylcytidine, 5-bromo-2′-O-alkylcytidine can be conveniently incorporated into short oligomers such as dimer, trimer, tetramer, pentamer or longer synthons that are subsequently derivatized to yield suitable synthons and longer oligomers.

Exemplary synthesis of oligomers containing about 4 or more nucleomonomer residues are accomplished using synthons such as monomers, dimers or trimers that carry a coupling group suitable for use with amidite, H-phosphonate or triester chemistries. The synthon can be used to link the components of the oligomer via a phosphodiester or phosphorous-containing linkage other than phosphodiester (e.g., phosphorothioate, methylphosphonate, thionomethylphosphonate, phosphoramidate and the like).

Synthesis of other nonphosphorous-containing substituted linkages can be accomplished using appropriate precursors as known in the art.

Once the desired nucleic acid is synthesized, it is preferably cleaved from the solid support on which it was synthesized and treated, by methods known in the art, to remove any protecting groups present (e.g., 60° C., 5 h, concentrated ammonia). In those embodiments in which a base-sensitive group is attached to the nucleic acids (e.g., TAMRA), the deprotection will preferably use milder conditions (e.g., butylamine: water 1:3, 8 hours, 70° C.). Deprotection under these conditions is facilitated by the use of quick deprotect amidites (e.g., dC-acetyl, dG-dmf).

Following cleavage from the support and deprotection, the nucleic acid is purified by any method known in the art, including chromatography, extraction and gel purification. In a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid is purified using HPLC. The concentration and purity of the isolated nucleic acid is preferably determined by measuring the optical density at 260 nm in a spectrophotometer.

Assays and Oligomeric Probes of the Invention

In various embodiments, the present invention provides an oligomer of use in one or more assay formats. In selected embodiments the oligomer participates in the generation of a detectable signal upon association with or dissociation from its target. The oligomeric probes of the invention are not limited in use to any particular assay format. Accordingly, the following description is intended to illustrate exemplary assays formats in which the oligomers of the invention find use, and is not intended to be limiting of the assay formats in which the oligomers are of use.

Assays

The following discussion is generally relevant to the assays described herein. This discussion is intended to illustrate the invention by reference to certain preferred embodiments and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of probes and assay types in which the compounds of the invention find use. Other assay formats utilizing the compounds of the invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

In general, to determine the concentration of a target molecule, such as, for example, a nucleic acid of unknown quantity, it is preferable to first obtain reference data in which constant amounts of probe are contacted with nucleic acid standards spanning a range of known quantities. The intensity of fluorescence emission from each of the reference mixtures is used to derive a graph or standard curve, in which the unknown concentration is compared to the intensity of the known standards. For example, a probe that: a) hybridizes to a sequence within the target nucleic acid; b) has fluorophore and quencher modifications upon the 5′ and 3′ termini being the sites of labeling; and c) has fluorogenic character that is quenched in an unbound conformation and then releases signal upon binding to the target nucleic acid, can be used to obtain such reference data. Such a probe gives a characteristic fluorescence emission in which the signal increases as the concentration of target nucleic acid increases. Then, a sample with an unknown quantity of target is contacted with the probe, and the fluorescence intensity from the mixture is determined. The intensity of fluorescence emission is then compared with the reference standards to obtain the concentration of the target in the test mixture.

Multiplex Analyses

In another embodiment, the solid supports and oligomers of the invention are utilized as a probe or a component of one or more probes used in a multiplex assay for detecting one or more species in a mixture.

Probes based on the solid supports or oligomers of the invention are particularly useful in performing multiplex-type analyses and assays. In a typical multiplex analysis, two or more distinct species (or regions of one or more species) are detected using two or more probes, wherein each of the probes is labeled with a different fluorophore. Preferred species used in multiplex analyses relying on donor-acceptor energy transfer meet at least two criteria: the fluorescent species is bright and spectrally well-resolved; and the energy transfer between the fluorescent species and the quencher is efficient.

The solid supports and oligomers of the invention allow for the design of multiplexed assays in which more than one fluorescent reporter is partnered with one or more quencher structures. A number of different multiplexed assays using the solid supports or oligomers of the invention will be apparent to one of skill in the art. In one exemplary assay, each of at least two distinct fluorescent reporters are paired with the same type of quencher structure on their respective oligomers, to modulate the signal through either FRET or contact quenching. Alternatively, an assay can be practiced in which at least two distinct fluorescent reporters are partnered with distinct quencher structures, to which the fluorescent properties are better “matched.” The fluorophores can be bound to the same molecule as the quencher or to a different molecule. Moreover, similar to the quencher and the fluorophores, the carrier molecules of use in a particular assay system, such as the oligo sequence that covalently tethers the fluorophore and quencher, can either be the same or different.

In addition to the mixtures described above, the present invention also provides a qualitative method for detecting the presence a particular molecular species. The method includes: (a) contacting the species with a mixture containing a solid support or oligomer of the invention; and (b) detecting a change in a fluorescent property of one or more component of the resulting mixture, thereby detecting the presence the molecular species.

The simultaneous use of two or more probes using donor-acceptor energy transfer is known in the art. For example, multiplex assays using nucleic acid probes with different sequence specificities have been described. Fluorescent probes have been used to determine whether an individual is homozygous wild-type, homozygous mutant or heterozygous for a particular mutation. For example, using one quenched-fluorescein molecular beacon that recognizes the wild-type sequence and another rhodamine-quenched molecular beacon that recognizes a mutant allele, it is possible to genotype individuals for the β-chemokine receptor (Kostrikis et al. Science 279:1228-1229 (1998)). The presence of only a fluorescein signal indicates that the individual is wild-type, and the presence of rhodamine signal only indicates that the individual is a homozygous mutant. The presence of both rhodamine and fluorescein signal is diagnostic of a heterozygote. Tyagi et al. Nature Biotechnology 16: 49-53 (1998)) have described the simultaneous use of four differently labeled molecular beacons for allele discrimination, and Lee et al., BioTechniques 27: 342-349 (1999) have described seven color homogenous detection of six PCR products.

The quenchers of the present invention can be used in multiplex assays designed to detect and/or quantify substantially any species, including, for example, whole cells, viruses, proteins (e.g., enzymes, antibodies, receptors), glycoproteins, lipoproteins, subcellular particles, organisms (e.g., Salmonella), nucleic acids (e.g., DNA, RNA, and analogues thereof), polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides, lipids, fatty acids, non-biological polymers and small molecules (e.g., toxins, drugs, pesticides, metabolites, hormones, alkaloids, steroids).

Nucleic Acid Probes

The solid supports and oligomers of the invention are useful nucleic-acid probes and they can be used as components of detection agents in a variety of DNA amplification/quantification strategies including, for example, 5′-nuclease assay, Strand Displacement Amplification (SDA), Nucleic Acid Sequence-Based Amplification (NASBA), Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA), as well as for direct detection of targets in solution phase or solid phase (e.g., array) assays. Furthermore, the solid supports and oligomers can be used in probes of substantially any format, including, for example, format selected from molecular beacons, Scorpion Probes™, Sunrise Probes™, conformationally assisted probes, light up probes, Invader Detection probes, and TaqMan™ probes. See, for example, Cardullo, R., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 85:8790-8794 (1988); Dexter, D. L., J. Chem. Physics, 21:836-850 (1953); Hochstrasser, R. A., et al., Biophysical Chemistry, 45:133-141 (1992); Selvin, P., Methods in Enzymology, 246:300-334 (1995); Steinberg, I., Ann. Rev. Biochem., 40:83-114 (1971); Stryer, L., Ann. Rev. Biochem., 47:819-846 (1978); Wang, G., et al., Tetrahedron Letters, 31:6493-6496 (1990); Wang, Y., et al., Anal. Chem., 67:1197-1203 (1995); Debouck, C., et al., in supplement to nature genetics, 21:48-50 (1999); Rehman, F. N., et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 27:649-655 (1999); Cooper, J. P., et al., Biochemistry, 29:9261-9268 (1990); Gibson, E. M., et al., Genome Methods, 6:995-1001 (1996); Hochstrasser, R. A., et al., Biophysical Chemistry, 45:133-141 (1992); Holland, P. M., et al., Proc Natl. Acad. Sci USA, 88:7276-7289 (1991); Lee, L. G., et al., Nucleic Acids Rsch., 21:3761-3766 (1993); Livak, K. J., et al., PCR Methods and Applications, Cold Spring Harbor Press (1995); Vamosi, G., et al., Biophysical Journal, 71:972-994 (1996); Wittwer, C. T., et al., Biotechniques, 22:176-181 (1997); Wittwer, C. T., et al., Biotechniques, 22:130-38 (1997); Giesendorf, B. A. J., et al., Clinical Chemistry, 44:482-486 (1998); Kostrikis, L. G., et al., Science, 279:1228-1229 (1998); Matsuo, T., Biochemica et Biophysica Acta, 1379:178-184 (1998); Piatek, A. S., et al., Nature Biotechnology, 16:359-363 (1998); Schofield, P., et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiology, 63:1143-1147 (1997); Tyagi S., et al., Nature Biotechnology, 16:49-53 (1998); Tyagi, S., et al., Nature Biotechnology, 14:303-308 (1996); Nazarenko, I. A., et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 25:2516-2521 (1997); Uehara, H., et al., Biotechniques, 26:552-558 (1999); D. Whitcombe, et al., Nature Biotechnology, 17:804-807 (1999); Lyamichev, V., et al., Nature Biotechnology, 17:292 (1999); Daubendiek, et al., Nature Biotechnology, 15:273-277 (1997); Lizardi, P. M., et al., Nature Genetics, 19:225-232 (1998); Walker, G., et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 20:1691-1696 (1992); Walker, G. T., et al., Clinical Chemistry, 42:9-13 (1996); and Compton, J., Nature, 350:91-92 (1991).

Thus, the present invention provides a method for detecting a nucleic acid target sequence. The method includes: (a) contacting the target sequence with a detector nucleic acid (e.g., an oligomer of the invention); (b) hybridizing the target binding sequence to the target sequence, thereby altering the conformation of the detector nucleic acid, causing a change in a fluorescence parameter; and (c) detecting the change in the fluorescence parameter, thereby detecting the nucleic acid target sequence.

In the methods described herein, unless otherwise noted, a preferred detector nucleic acid includes a single-stranded target binding sequence. The binding sequence has linked thereto: i) a fluorophore, ii) a first quencher, and iii) a second quencher. The binding sequence has optionally further linked thereto a stabilizing moiety. Moreover, prior to its hybridization to a complementary sequence, the detector nucleic acid is preferably in a conformation that allows donor-acceptor energy transfer between the fluorophore and the quencher when the fluorophore is excited. Furthermore, in each of the methods described in this section, a change in fluorescence is detected as an indication of the presence of the target sequence. The change in fluorescence is preferably detected in real-time.

Presently preferred nucleic acid probes do not require the nucleic acid to adopt a secondary structure for the probe to function. In this method, and unless otherwise noted, the other methods described in this section, the detector nucleic acid can assume substantially any intramolecularly associated secondary structure, but this structure is preferably a member selected from hairpins, stem-loop structures, pseudoknots, triple helices and conformationally assisted structures. Moreover, the intramolecularly base-paired secondary structure preferably comprises a portion of the target binding sequence.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for detecting amplification of a target sequence. The method involves the use of an amplification reaction such as PCR. An exemplary amplification reaction includes one or more of the following steps:

-   -   (a) hybridizing a sample nucleic acid comprising the target         sequence of interest with PCR primers that flank the target         sequence;     -   (b) extending the hybridized primers with a polymerase to         produce the PCR product, and separating the two strands of the         PCR product to make accessible the sense and antisense strands         of the target sequence;     -   (c) hybridizing a detector nucleic acid to the sense or         antisense strand of the target sequence in the PCR product,         wherein the detector nucleic acid includes:         -   i) a single stranded target binding sequence that is             complementary to at least a portion of the sense or             antisense strand of the target sequence in the PCR product,             and hybridizes to a region between the PCR primers;         -   ii) a fluorophore; and         -   iii) a first quencher and a second quencher;         -   wherein prior to its hybridization to the target sequence,             the detector nucleic acid is in a conformation allowing             donor-acceptor energy transfer between the fluorophore and             the quencher when the fluorophore is excited;         -   thereby altering the conformation of the detector nucleic             acid (for example, linearizing any secondary structure or             random coil conformations that contribute to the quenching             efficiency), causing a change in a fluorescence parameter             (such as the signal intensity); and     -   (d) measuring the change in the fluorescence parameter to detect         the target sequence and its amplification.         Optionally, the change in the fluorescence parameter can be made         permanent if the polymerase encounters the hybridized detector         nucleic acid during primer extension (step (b) above) and         hydrolyzes the oligomer tethering the fluorophore and quencher,         such as through a secondary nuclease activity of the polymerase.

In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a method of ascertaining whether a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid hybridize. In this method, the first nucleic acid is an oligomer (in solution or attached to a solid support) according to the invention. The method includes: (a) contacting the first nucleic acid with the second nucleic acid; (b) detecting an alteration in a fluorescent property of a member selected from the first nucleic acid, the second nucleic acid and a combination thereof, thereby ascertaining whether the hybridization occurs.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides probes and methods of use in detecting polymorphism in nucleic acid target sequences. Polymorphism refers to the occurrence of two or more genetically determined alternative sequences or alleles in a population. A polymorphic marker or site is the locus at which divergence occurs. Preferred markers have at least two alleles, each occurring at frequency of greater than 1%, and more preferably greater than 10% or 20% of a selected population. A polymorphic locus may be as small as one base pair. Polymorphic markers include restriction fragment length polymorphisms, variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR's), hypervariable regions, minisatellites, dinucleotide repeats, trinucleotide repeats, tetranucleotide repeats, simple sequence repeats, and insertion elements such as Alu. The first identified allelic form is arbitrarily designated as the reference form and other allelic forms are designated as alternative or variant alleles. The allelic form occurring most frequently in a selected population is sometimes referred to as the wildtype form. Diploid organisms may be homozygous or heterozygous for allelic forms. A diallelic polymorphism has two forms. A triallelic polymorphism has three forms.

In an exemplary embodiment, a probe of the invention is utilized to detect a single nucleotide polymorphism. A single nucleotide polymorphism occurs at a polymorphic site occupied by a single nucleotide, which is the site of variation between allelic sequences. The site is usually preceded by and followed by highly conserved sequences of the allele (e.g., sequences that vary in less than 1/100 or 1/1000 members of the populations). A single nucleotide polymorphism usually arises due to substitution of one nucleotide for another at the polymorphic site. A transition is the replacement of one purine by another purine or one pyrimidine by another pyrimidine. A transversion is the replacement of a purine by a pyrimidine or vice versa. Single nucleotide polymorphisms can also arise from a deletion of a nucleotide or an insertion of a nucleotide relative to a reference allele.

An oligomer of the invention bearing two quenchers and a fluorophore can be used or, alternatively, one or more of the nucleic acids can be labeled with members of an energy transfer pair (e.g., a quencher or fluorophore). When a nucleic acid labeled with quenchers is the probe, the interaction between the first and second nucleic acids can be detected by observing the interaction between the quenchers and the nucleic acid or, more preferably, the quenching by the quenchers of the fluorescence of a fluorophore attached to the second nucleic acid.

In some embodiments, a ground state complex between the quenchers and a fluorophore is formed. In an exemplary embodiment, both the quenchers and fluorophore are conjugated to the same nucleic acid oligomer.

In addition to their general utility in probes designed to investigate nucleic acid amplification, polymorphism and detection and quantification, the present solid supports and oligomers can be used in substantially any nucleic acid probe format now known or later discovered. For example, the solid supports and oligomers of the invention can be incorporated into probe motifs, such as Taqman™ probes (Held et al., Genome Res. 6: 986-994 (1996), Holland et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 88: 7276-7280 (1991), Lee et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 21: 3761-3766 (1993)), molecular beacons (Tyagi et al., Nature Biotechnology 14:303-308 (1996), Jayasena et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,823, issued Nov. 23, 1999)) scorpion probes (Whitcomb et al., Nature Biotechnology 17: 804-807 (1999)), sunrise probes (Nazarenko et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 25: 2516-2521 (1997)), conformationally assisted probes (Cook, R., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0059752, published Mar. 15, 2007), peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based light up probes (Kubista et al., WO 97/45539, December 1997), double-strand specific DNA dyes (Higuchi et al., Bio/Technology 10: 413-417 (1992), Wittwer et al., BioTechniques 22: 130-138 (1997)) and the like. These and other probe motifs with which the present quenchers can be used are reviewed in NONISOTOPIC DNA PROBE TECHNIQUES, Academic Press, Inc. 1992.

The oligomers for use in the probes of the invention can be any suitable size, and are preferably in the range of from about 2 to about 100 nucleotides, more preferably from about 10 to about 80 nucleotides and more preferably still, from about 10 to about 40 nucleotides. In the dual labeled (fluorophore-quencher) probes, the donor moiety is preferably separated from the quencher by at least about 6, preferably at least about 8, preferably at least about 10 nucleotides, and more preferably by at least about 15 nucleotides. In various embodiments donor moiety is preferably attached to either the 3′- or 5′-terminal nucleotides of the probe. The quencher moiety is also preferably attached to either the 3′- or 5′-terminal nucleotides of the probe. More preferably, the donor and acceptor moieties are attached to the 3′- and 5′- or 5′- and 3′-terminal nucleotides of the probe, respectively, although internal placement is also useful.

The precise sequence and length of a nucleic acid probe of the invention depends in part on the nature of the target polynucleotide to which it binds. The binding location and length may be varied to achieve appropriate annealing and melting properties for a particular embodiment. Guidance for making such design choices can be found in many art-recognized references.

In some embodiments, the 3′-terminal nucleotide of the nucleic acid probe is blocked or rendered incapable of extension by a nucleic acid polymerase. Such blocking is conveniently carried out by the attachment of a donor or acceptor moiety to the terminal 3′-position of the nucleic acid probe, either directly or by a linker moiety.

The nucleic acid can comprise DNA, RNA or chimeric mixtures or derivatives or modified versions thereof. Both the probe and target nucleic acid can be present as a single strand, duplex, triplex, etc. Moreover, the nucleic acid can be modified at the nucleobase moiety, sugar moiety, or phosphate backbone with other groups such as radioactive labels, minor groove binders, intercalating agents, acetylinically unsaturated hydrocarbons, fluoralkyl groups, donor and/or acceptor moieties and the like.

The oligomers of the invention are useful as primers that are discrete sequences or as primers with a random sequence. Random sequence primers are generally about 6 or 7 nucleomonomers in length. Such primers can be used in various nucleic acid amplification protocols (PCR, ligase chain reaction, etc) or in cloning protocols. Substitutions on the 5′ end of the invention generally do not interfere with the capacity of the oligomer to function as a primer. Oligomers of the invention having 2¹-modifications at sites other than the 3′ terminal residue, other modifications that render the oligomer RNase H incompetent or otherwise nuclease stable can be advantageously used as probes or primers for RNA or DNA sequences in cellular extracts or other solutions that contain nucleases. Thus, the oligomers can be used in protocols for amplifying nucleic acid in a sample by mixing the oligomer with a sample containing target nucleic acid, followed by hybridization of the oligomer with the target nucleic acid and amplifying the target nucleic acid by PCR, LCR or other suitable methods.

The oligomers derivatized with chelating agents such as EDTA, DTPA or analogs of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane acetic acid can be utilized in various in vitro diagnostic assays as described (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,772,548, 4,707,440 and 4,707,352). Alternatively, oligomers of the invention can be derivatized with crosslinker agents such as 5-(3-iodoacetamidoprop-1-yl)-2′-deoxyuridine or 5-(3-(4-bromobutyramido)prop-1-yl)-2¹-deoxyuridine and used in various assay methods or kits as described (International Publication No. WO 90/14353).

In addition to the foregoing uses, the ability of the oligomers to inhibit gene expression can be verified in in vitro systems by measuring the levels of expression in subject cells or in recombinant systems, by any suitable method (Graessmann, M., et al., Nucleic Acids Res. (1991) 19:53-59).

Conditions that favor hybridization between oligomer of the present invention and target nucleic acid molecules can be determined empirically by those skilled in the art, and can include optimal incubation temperatures, salt concentrations, length and nucleobase compositions of oligonucleotide analogue probes, and concentrations of oligomer and nucleic acid molecules of the sample. Preferably, hybridization is performed in the presence of at least one millimolar magnesium and at a pH that is above 6.0. In some embodiments, it may be necessary or desirable to treat a sample to render nucleic acid molecules in the sample single-stranded prior to hybridization. Examples of such treatments include, but are not limited to, treatment with base (preferably followed by neutralization), incubation at high temperature, or treatment with nucleases.

In addition, because the salt dependence of hybridization to nucleic acids is largely determined by the charge density of the backbone of a hybridizing oligonucleotide analogue, incorporating nonstandard nucleotide analogs into the oligomer of the present invention can increase or decrease the salt dependence of hybridization. This modulation can be used to advantage in the methods of the present invention where it can in some aspects be desirable to be able to increase the stringency of hybridization by changing salt conditions, for example, or release a hybridized nucleic acid by reducing the salt concentration. In yet other aspects of the present invention, it can be desirable to have high-affinity binding of an oligonucleotide analogue of the present invention to a nucleic acid in very low salt. In this case, positioning nucleotide monomers with uncharged backbone moieties into an oligonucleotide of the present invention is advantageous.

The high degree of specificity of oligomers of the present invention in binding to target nucleic acid molecules allow the practitioner to select hybridization conditions that can favor discrimination between nucleic acid sequences that comprise a stretch of sequence that is completely complementary to at least a portion of one or more oligomer and target nucleic acid molecules that comprise a stretch of sequence that comprises a small number of non-complementary nucleobases within a substantially complementary sequence. For example, hybridization or wash temperatures can be selected that permit stable hybrids between oligomer of the present invention and target nucleic acid molecules that are completely complementary along a stretch of sequence but promote dissociation of hybrids between oligomer of the present invention and target nucleic acid molecules that are not completely complementary, including those that comprise one or two nucleobase mismatches along a stretch of complementary sequence. The selection of a temperature for hybridization and washes can be dependent, at least in part, on other conditions, such as the salt concentration, the concentration of oligomer and target nucleic acid molecules, the relative proportions of oligomer to target nucleic acid molecules, the length of the oligomers to be hybridized, the nucleobase composition of the oligomer and target nucleic acid molecules, the monomer composition of the oligonucleotide analogue molecules, etc. In addition, when selecting for conditions that favor stable hybrids of completely complementary molecules and disfavor stable hybrids between oligomer and target nucleic acid molecules that are mismatched by one or more nucleobases, additional conditions can be taken into account, and, where desirable, altered, including but not limited to, the length of the oligonucleotide analogue to be hybridized, the length of the stretch of sequence of complementarity between oligomer and target nucleic acid molecules, the number of non-complementary nucleobases within a stretch of sequence of complementarity, the identity of mismatched nucleobases, the identity of nucleobases in the vicinity of the mismatched nucleobases, and the relative position of any mismatched nucleobases along a stretch of complementarity. Those skilled in the art of nucleic acid hybridization would be able to determine favorable hybridization and wash conditions in using oligomer of the present invention for hybridization to target nucleic acid molecules, depending on the particular application. “Favorable conditions” can be those favoring stable hybrids between oligomer and target nucleic acid molecules that are, at least in part, substantially complementary, including those that comprise one or more mismatches.

“Favorable conditions” can be those favoring stable hybrids between oligomer and target nucleic acid molecules that are, at least in part, completely complementary and disfavor or destabilized hybrids between molecules that are not completely complementary.

Using methods such as those disclosed herein, the melting temperature of oligomer of the present invention hybridized to target nucleic acid molecules of different sequences can be determined and can be used in determining favorable conditions for a given application. It is also possible to empirically determine favorable hybridization conditions by, for example, hybridizing target nucleic acid molecules to oligomer that are attached to a solid support and detecting hybridized complexes.

Target nucleic acid molecules that are bound to solid supports or oligomeric probes of the present invention can be conveniently and efficiently separated from unbound nucleic acid molecules of the survey population by the direct or indirect attachment of oligomer probes to a solid support. A solid support can be washed at high stringency to remove nucleic acid molecules that are not bound to oligomer probes. However, the attachment of oligomer probes to a solid support is not a requirement of the present invention. For example, in some applications bound and unbound nucleic acid molecules can be separated by centrifugation through a matrix or by phase separation or some by other forms of separation (for example, differential precipitation) that can optionally be aided by chemical groups incorporated into the oligomer probes (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,242 issued May 9, 2000, to Nie et

Nucleic Acid Capture Probes

In one embodiment, an immobilized nucleic acid comprising a first quencher and a second quencher is used as a capture probe. The immobilized nucleic acid optionally further comprises a stabilizing moiety. The nucleic acid probe can be attached directly to a solid support, for example by attachment of the 3′- or 5′-terminal nucleotide of the probe to the solid support. More preferably, however, the probe is attached to the solid support by a linker (supra). The linker serves to distance the probe from the solid support. The linker is most preferably from about 5 to about 30 atoms in length, more preferably from about 10 to about 50 atoms in length.

In various embodiments, the solid support is also used as the synthesis support in preparing the oligomer (probe). The length and chemical stability of the linker between the solid support and the first 3′-unit of nucleic acid play an important role in efficient synthesis and hybridization of support bound nucleic acids. The linker arm is preferably sufficiently long so that a high yield (>97%) can be achieved during automated synthesis. The required length of the linker will depend on the particular solid support used. For example, a six atom linker is generally sufficient to achieve a >97% yield during automated synthesis of nucleic acids when high cross-linked polystyrene is used as the solid support. The linker arm is preferably at least 20 atoms long in order to attain a high yield (>97%) during automated synthesis when CPG is used as the solid support.

Hybridization of a probe immobilized on a solid support generally requires that the probe be separated from the solid support by at least 30 atoms, more preferably at least 50 atoms. In order to achieve this separation, the linker generally includes a spacer positioned between the linker and the 3′-terminus. For nucleic acid synthesis, the linker arm is usually attached to the 3′-OH of the 3′-terminus by an ester linkage which can be cleaved with basic reagents to free the nucleic acid from the solid support.

A wide variety of linkers are known in the art, which may be used to attach the nucleic acid probe to the solid support. The linker may be formed of any compound, which does not significantly interfere with the hybridization of the target sequence to the probe attached to the solid support. The linker may be formed of, for example, a homopolymeric nucleic acid, which can be readily added on to the linker by automated synthesis. Alternatively, polymers such as functionalized polyethylene glycol can be used as the linker. Such polymers are presently preferred over homopolymeric nucleic acids because they do not significantly interfere with the hybridization of probe to the target nucleic acid. Polyethylene glycol is particularly preferred because it is commercially available, soluble in both organic and aqueous media, easy to functionalize, and completely stable under nucleic acid synthesis and post-synthesis conditions.

The linkage sites between the solid support, the linker and the probe are preferably not cleaved during synthesis or removal of nucleobase protecting groups under basic conditions at high temperature. These linkages can, however, be selected from groups that are cleavable under a variety of conditions. Examples of presently preferred linkages include carbamate, ester and amide linkages.

Detection of Nucleic Acids in Samples

Solid supports and oligomers of the present invention can be used for detection of nucleic acids. Such detection methods include: providing a sample, contacting at least one oligonucleotide analogue of the present invention with the sample under conditions that allow hybridization of oligomer to nucleic acid molecules, and detecting one or more nucleic acid molecules of the sample that have hybridized to one or more oligomer of the present invention.

A sample can be from any source, and can be a biological sample, such as a sample from an organism or a group of organisms from the same or different species. A biological sample can be a sample of bodily fluid, for example, a blood sample, serum sample, lymph sample, a bone marrow sample, ascites fluid, pleural fluid, pelvic wash fluid, ocular fluid, urine, semen, sputum, or saliva. A biological sample can also be an extract from cutaneous, nasal, throat, or genital swabs, or extracts of fecal material. Biological samples can also be samples of organs or tissues, including tumors. Biological samples can also be samples of cell cultures, including both cell lines and primary cultures of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

A sample can be from the environment, such as from a body of water or from the soil, or from a food, beverage, or water source, an industrial source, workplace area, public area, or living area. A sample can be an extract, for example a liquid extract of a soil or food sample. A sample can be a solution made from washing or soaking, or suspending a swab from, articles such as tools, articles of clothing, artifacts, or other materials.

A sample can be an unprocessed or a processed sample; processing can involve steps that increase the purity, concentration, or accessibility of components of the sample to facilitate the analysis of the sample. As nonlimiting examples, processing can include steps that reduce the volume of a sample, remove or separate components of a sample, solubilize a sample or one or more sample components, or disrupt, modify, expose, release, or isolate components of a sample. Nonlimiting examples of such procedures are centrifugation, precipitation, filtration, homogenization, cell lysis, binding of antibodies, cell separation, etc.

For example, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the sample is a blood sample that is at least partially processed, for example, by the removal of red blood cells, by concentration, by selection of one or more cell or virus types (for example, white blood cells or pathogenic cells), or by lysis of cells, etc.

Exemplary samples include a solution of at least partially purified nucleic acid molecules. The nucleic acid molecules can be from a single source or multiple sources, and can comprise DNA, RNA, or both. For example, a solution of nucleic acid molecules can be a sample that was subjected to any of the steps of cell lysis, concentration, extraction, precipitation, nucleic acid selection (such as, for example, poly A RNA selection or selection of DNA sequences comprising Alu elements), or treatment with one or more enzymes. The sample can also be a solution that comprises synthetic nucleic acid molecules.

An oligomer or solid support of the present invention can be any oligomer format disclosed herein, or any oligomer comprising a monomer, dimer or non nucleic acid component (e.g., linker, fluorophore, quencher, stabilizing moiety) disclosed herein. An oligonucleotide analogue used in the methods of the present invention can be of any length and of any nucleobase composition, and can comprise one or more nucleic acid moieties, peptides, proteins lipids, carbohydrates, steroids, and other biochemical and chemical moieties. An oligonucleotide analogue of the present invention can be provided in solution or bound to a solid support. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the oligomer comprise non-standard nucleotide analogues.

Detection methods for bound nucleic acids are well known in the art, and can include the use of a detectable label that is attached to or incorporated into nucleic acid molecules of the survey population or that becomes bound to or incorporated into a hybridized target nucleic acid molecule or hybridized target nucleic acid molecule complex. Detectable labels for nucleic acid molecules are well-known in the art, and comprise fluorescent molecules such as fluorophores (including those set forth herein), radioisotopes, mass-altered chemical groups, specific binding members such as biotin that can be detected by signal-generating molecules, and the like. Detectable labels can also be incorporated into or attached to oligomer of the present invention, for example, in cases where sandwich hybridization using a signal oligomer is used for detection, or detection is performed using a specific binding member such as an antibody that recognizes oligomer/target nucleic acid molecule complexes. Solid supports can be scanned, exposed to film, visually inspected, etc. to determine the presence of a detectable label and thereby determine the binding of a target nucleic acid molecule to an oligomer immobilized on a solid support such as those of the invention.

Kits

One aspect of the instant invention is the formulation of kits that facilitate the practice of syntheses using the compounds of the invention (such as solid supports of the invention or monomers of the invention) and assays using oligomers of the invention, as described above. The kits of the invention typically comprise a compound of the invention (such as a solid support of the invention or an oligomer of the invention), either present as a chemically reactive species useful for preparing conjugates, or present as a completed oligomer where the oligomer is a specific binding pair member. The kit optionally further comprises one or more buffering agents, typically present as an aqueous solution. The kits of the invention optionally further comprise additional detection reagents, a purification medium for purifying the resulting labeled substance, luminescence standards, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, organic solvent, or instructions for carrying out an assay of the invention. Other formats for kits will be apparent to those of skill in the art and are within the scope of the present invention.

By way of summary, in exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides:

A nucleic acid probe comprising an oligonucleotide having the structure:

5′Y¹-L¹-L^(Q1)-L²-Y²-3′.

Y¹ comprises a sequence of two or more DNA or RNA nucleotides. Y² comprises a sequence of two or more DNA or RNA nucleotides. One of Y¹ and Y² has a fluorophore covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to its nucleotide sequence, and the other of Y¹ and Y² has a second quencher covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to its nucleotide sequence. L¹ and L² are independently selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl. L^(Q1) is

Q¹ is a first quencher having a structure selected from

R^(a), R^(b), and R^(c) are independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl. L³ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to the preceding paragraph, wherein the nucleotide sequence of Y¹ includes: a first nucleotide N¹ having a 5′ phosphate covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore or the second quencher, and a second nucleotide N² having a 3′ phosphate covalently attached to L¹; and the nucleotide sequence of Y² includes: a third nucleotide N³ having a 5′ phosphate covalently attached to L², and a fourth nucleotide N⁴ having a 3′ phosphate covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the second quencher or the fluorophore; wherein when the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore, the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the second quencher; and when the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the second quencher, the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, further comprising one or more DNA or RNA nucleotides attached to the linker that connects the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹ to the fluorophore or second quencher.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, further comprising one or more DNA or RNA nucleotides attached to the linker that connects the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴ to the second quencher or fluorophore.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the 5′ phosphate of the first nucleotide N¹ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore; and the 3′ phosphate of the fourth nucleotide N⁴ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the second quencher.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein Y¹ is a sequence of 8, 9, 10, or 11 nucleotides.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein Q¹ has a structure selected from:

wherein R^(a2), R^(a3), R^(a5), R^(a6), R^(a7), R^(a8), R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b4), R^(b5), R^(b6), R^(b7), R^(b8), R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), R^(c6), R^(c7) and R^(c8) are independently selected from H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, and nitro.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein R^(a2), R^(a3), R^(a5), R^(a6), R^(a7), R^(a8), R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b4), R^(b5), R^(b6), R^(b7), R^(b8), R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), R^(c6), R^(c7), and R^(c8) are independently selected from H, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, and nitro.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein Q¹ has the structure:

wherein R^(a2), R^(a3), R^(a5), and R^(a8) are H; at least one of R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b5), and R^(b6) is independently methyl or ethyl or n-propyl or isopropyl or n-butyl or isobutyl or sec-butyl or tert-butyl, and the remainder of R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b5), and R^(b6) are H; and at least one of R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), and R^(c6) is independently methyl or ethyl or n-propyl or isopropyl or n-butyl or isobutyl or sec-butyl or tert-butyl, and the remainder of R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), and R^(c6) are H.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the oligonucleotide comprises from 15 to 45 nucleotides.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the oligonucleotide comprises from 20 to 30 nucleotides.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the oligonucleotide has from 15 to 45 nucleotides.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the oligonucleotide has from 20 to 30 nucleotides.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein L¹ and L² are each unsubstituted C₁-C₇ alkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein L¹ and L² are each unsubstituted C₁-C₃ alkyl; and L¹ and L² are the same.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein L¹ and L² are each ethyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the second quencher has the structure:

wherein R^(e2), R^(e5), R^(f2), and R^(f4) are independently selected from H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, and nitro; and L⁴ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R^(e5) is H; R^(f2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; and R^(f4) is H.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein R^(e2) is unsubstituted alkoxy; R^(e5) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R^(f2) is nitro; and R^(f4) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R^(e5) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R^(f2) is H; and R^(f4) is nitro.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the second quencher has the structure:

wherein L⁴ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the second quencher is derived from BBQ-650®, Dabcyl, Dabsyl, Eclipse® quencher, Iowa Black® FQ, Iowa Black® RQ-n1, or Iowa Black® RQ-n2.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the fluorophore is derived from 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM), 2′7′-dimethoxy-4′5′-dichloro-6-carboxyfluorescein (JOE), tetrachlorofluorescein (TET), 6-carboxyrhodamine (R6G), N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-6-carboxyrhodamine (TAMRA), 6-carboxy-X-rhodamine (ROX), 1-dimethylaminonaphthyl-5-sulfonate, 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate, 2-p-toluidinyl-6-naphthalene sulfonate, 5-(2′-aminoethyl)aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (EDANS), a coumarin dye, an acridine dye, indodicarbocyanine 3 (Cy3), indodicarbocyanine 5 (Cy5), indodicarbocyanine 5.5 (Cy5.5), 3-(1-carboxy-pentyl)-3′-ethyl-5,5′-dimethyloxacarbocyanine (CyA), 1H,5H,11H,15H-Xantheno[2,3,4-ij:5,6,7-i′j′]diquinolizin-18-ium, 9-[2(or 4)-[[[6-[2,5-dioxo-1-pyrrolidinyl)oxy]-6-oxohexyl]amino]sulfonyl]-4(or 2)-sulfophenyl]-2,3,6,7,12,13,16,17-octahydro-inner salt (TR or Texas Red), a BODIPY dye, benzoxaazole, stilbene, or pyrene.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the fluorophore is derived from 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM).

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the fluorophore has the structure:

wherein L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the nucleotide sequence of Y¹ includes: a first nucleotide N¹ having a 5′ phosphate covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the fluorophore, and a second nucleotide N² having a 3′ phosphate covalently attached to L¹; and the nucleotide sequence of Y² includes: a third nucleotide N³ having a 5′ phosphate covalently attached to L², and a fourth nucleotide N⁴ having a 3′ phosphate covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to the second quencher; L¹ is unsubstituted C₂ alkyl; L² is unsubstituted C₂ alkyl; Q¹ has the structure:

the second quencher has the structure:

wherein L⁴ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl; and the fluorophore comprises a fluorescein moiety.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the second quencher has the structure:

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the oligonucleotide comprises from 15 to 45 nucleotides.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the oligonucleotide has from 15 to 45 nucleotides.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein Y¹ is a sequence of from 8 to 11 nucleotides.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein Y² is a sequence of from 6 to 24 nucleotides.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the fluorophore has the structure:

wherein L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the fluorophore has the structure:

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein Y¹ is a sequence of from 8 to 11 nucleotides; Y² is a sequence of from 6 to 24 nucleotides; the second quencher has the structure:

and the fluorophore has the structure:

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the oligonucleotide is a first oligonucleotide, and the first oligonucleotide is adapted to hybridize to a second oligonucleotide having the structure 3′-Y³-Y⁴-5′, wherein: Y³ comprises a sequence of four or more DNA or RNA nucleotides, including a fifth nucleotide N⁵; and Y⁴ comprises a sequence of four or more DNA or RNA nucleotides, including a sixth nucleotide N⁶ that is directly attached to nucleotide N⁵; wherein if the first oligonucleotide hybridizes to the second oligonucleotide, N² base pairs with N⁵ and N³ base pairs with N⁶ to form a duplex having a T_(m) that is higher than the T_(m) of a duplex formed between the second oligonuleotide and a third oligonucleotide having the structure 5′-Y¹-Y²-3′.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the oligonucleotide is a first oligonucleotide, and the first oligonucleotide is adapted to hybridize to a second oligonucleotide having the structure 3′-Y³-Y⁴-5′, wherein: Y³ comprises a sequence of four or more DNA or RNA nucleotides, including a fifth nucleotide N⁵; and Y⁴ comprises a sequence of four or more DNA or RNA nucleotides, including a sixth nucleotide N⁶ that is directly attached to nucleotide N⁵; wherein if the first oligonucleotide hybridizes to the second oligonucleotide, N² base pairs with N⁵ and N³ base pairs with N⁶ to form a duplex having a T_(m) that is lower than the T_(m) of a duplex formed between the second oligonuleotide and a third oligonucleotide having the structure 5′-Y¹-Y²-3′.

A method of detecting a second oligonucleotide in a sample, comprising: contacting the sample with a nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the fluorescence of the fluorophore is reduced by donor-acceptor energy transfer to one or both of the first quencher and the second quencher when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide; and detecting an increase in fluorescence indicating the presence of the second oligonucleotide in the sample.

A method according to the preceding paragraph, wherein fluorescence is reduced by fluorescence resonance energy transfer when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide.

A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein fluorescence is reduced by ground state quenching when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide.

A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein fluorescence is reduced by both fluorescence resonance energy transfer and ground state quenching when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide.

A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the increase in fluorescence arises from cleavage of the fluorophore from the first oligonucleotide.

A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the first oligonucleotide forms a random-coil conformation when the first oligonucleotide is unhybridized, such that the fluorescence of the fluorophore is reduced.

A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the first oligonucleotide comprises a self-complimentary sequence and wherein the quencher and the fluorophore are attached to the first oligonucleotide such that the fluorescence of the fluorophore is quenched by the quencher when the nucleic acid polymer undergoes intramoleeular base pairing.

A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the method is used in a PCR reaction wherein synthesis of PCR product results in an increase in fluorescence.

A method of detecting a second oligonucleotide in a sample, comprising: contacting the sample with a nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the oligonucleotide is a first oligonucleotide, and the first oligonucleotide is adapted to hybridize to a second oligonucleotide, and fluorescence of the fluorophore is reduced by donor-acceptor energy transfer to one or both of the first quencher and the second quencher when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide; and detecting an increase in fluorescence indicating the presence of the second oligonucleotide in the sample.

A method according to the preceding paragraph, wherein fluorescence is reduced by fluorescence resonance energy transfer when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonueleotide.

A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein fluorescence is reduced by ground state quenching when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide.

A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein fluorescence is reduced by both fluorescence resonance energy transfer and ground state quenching when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide.

A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the increase in fluorescence arises from cleavage of the fluorophore from the first oligonucleotide.

A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the first oligonucleotide forms a random-coil conformation when the first oligonucleotide is unhybridized, such that the fluorescence of the fluorophore is reduced.

A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the first oligonucleotide comprises a self-complimentary sequence and wherein the quenchers and the fluorophore are attached to the first oligonucleotide such that the fluorescence of the fluorophore is quenched by one or both of the first quencher and the second quencher when the nucleic acid polymer undergoes intramoleeular base pairing.

A method according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the method is used in a PCR reaction wherein synthesis of PCR product results in an increase in fluorescence.

A nucleic acid probe comprising an oligonucleotide having attached thereto: a first quencher having a structure comprising at least three residues selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and combinations thereof, wherein at least two of the residues are covalently linked via an exocyclic diazo bond; and a second quencher; wherein the first quencher is attached to a nucleotide, which is 8, 9, 10, or 11 nucleotides towards the 3′-terminus from the 5′-terminus of the oligonucleotide; and the first quencher and the second quencher are attached to the oligonucleotide through a member independently selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to the preceding paragraph, wherein the oligonucleotide further comprises a fluorophore attached to the 5′-terminus of the oligonucleotide through a member selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein each of the at least three residues is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein at least two of the at least three residues are phenyl substituted with at least one C₁-C₆ unsubstituted alkyl moiety.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the first quencher has the structure:

wherein L³ is a member selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the second quencher has a structure comprising at least three residues selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and combinations thereof, wherein at least two of the residues are covalently linked via an exocyclic diazo bond.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the second quencher is attached to the 3′-terminus of the oligonucleotide.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the second quencher has the structure:

wherein R^(e2), R^(e5), R^(f2), and R^(f4) are independently selected from H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, and nitro; and L⁴ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R^(e5) is H; R^(f2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; and R^(f4) is H.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R^(e5) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R^(f2) is nitro; and R^(f4) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R^(e5) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R² is H; and R^(f4) is nitro.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the second quencher has the structure:

wherein L⁴ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the fluorophore has the structure:

wherein L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.

A nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, wherein the fluorophore has the structure:

A method for detecting a nucleic acid target sequence, the method comprising: (a) contacting the target sequence with a detector nucleic acid comprising a single-stranded target binding sequence, wherein the detector nucleic acid is a nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, and the detector nucleic acid is in a conformation allowing donor-acceptor energy transfer between the fluorophore and one or both of the first quencher and the second quencher when the fluorophore is excited; (b) hybridizing the target binding sequence to the target sequence, thereby altering the conformation of the detector nucleic acid, causing a change in a fluorescence parameter; and (c) detecting the change in the fluorescence parameter, thereby detecting the nucleic acid target sequence.

A method of ascertaining whether a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid hybridize, wherein the first nucleic acid is a nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph, the method comprising: (a) contacting the first nucleic acid with the second nucleic acid; and (b) detecting an alteration in a fluorescent property of a member selected from the first nucleic acid, the second nucleic acid and a combination thereof, thereby ascertaining whether the hybridization occurs.

A method of monitoring a nucleic acid amplification reaction, the method comprising: (a) preparing an amplification reaction mixture comprising a detector nucleic acid, wherein the detector nucleic acid is a nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph; (b) subjecting the amplification reaction mixture to amplification conditions; (c) monitoring the reaction mixture for a fluorescent signal from the detector nucleic acid to obtain an assay result; and (d) employing the assay result to monitor the nucleic acid amplification reaction.

A method of detecting amplification of a target sequence, the method comprising: (a) hybridizing a sample nucleic acid comprising the target sequence with PCR primers that flank the target sequence; (b) extending the hybridized primers with a polymerase to produce the PCR product, and separating the two strands of the PCR product to make accessible the sense and antisense strands of the target sequence; (c) hybridizing a detector nucleic acid to the sense or antisense strand of the target sequence in the PCR product, wherein the detector nucleic acid is a nucleic acid probe according to any preceding paragraph; wherein prior to its hybridization to the target sequence, the detector nucleic acid is in a conformation allowing donor-acceptor energy transfer between the fluorophore and one or both of the first quencher and the second quencher when the fluorophore is excited; thereby altering the conformation of the detector nucleic acid, causing a change in a fluorescence parameter; and (d) measuring the change in the fluorescence parameter to detect the target sequence and its amplification.

The materials and methods of the present invention are further illustrated by the examples which follow. These examples are offered to illustrate, but not to limit the claimed invention.

Examples Structure

Internal-quenched probes continue to require a 3′ blocker and so a sensible approach to improve quenching efficiency is to preserve the terminal quencher for its blocking function while incorporating an additional quencher at an internal position. FAM-labeled probes were found to perform most optimally with an internal BHQ0 moiety, which was surprising since this dye pairing has minimal spectral overlap. An internal BHQ0 can be incorporated without regard to base composition by positioning it between adjacent residues using linkage chemistry that disrupts the sugar-phosphate backbone. The phosphoramidite precursor used for incorporation is catalog number BNS-5050 (Biosearch Technologies, Inc.) with the following chemical structure:

Incorporating the reactive precursor into an oligo during synthesis culminates in an internal BHQ0 modification:

The internal BHQ0 is complemented by an additional BHQ1 moiety on the 3′ terminus. The complete structure of this dual quencher FAM-labeled probe is shown in FIG. 3.

The general dye orientation within a dual quencher probe can be represented as a linear sequence: 5′-[FAM]-oligo sequence′-[I-BHQ0]-oligo sequence²-[BHQ1]-3′

Positioning the internal BHQ0 between residues 9 and 10 was found to be optimal. Any closer or further removed from the 5′ terminus resulted in diminished signal release. The signal amplification depends not only upon sequence position but also quencher-type. Other quenchers like DABSYL did not work as well, nor did switching the BHQ0/BHQ1 dye orientation. Even a subtle change in the linkage between the BHQ0 chromophore and the oligo is sufficient to disrupt the signal release. Empirical testing revealed an exquisitely sensitive system of modifications, and a synergy that is quite unexpected. All of these dependencies are illustrated in the subsequent experimental section.

Function

The combination of BHQ0 and BHQ1 modifications produces both better quenching efficiency and signal release, irrespective of oligo length. As shown in FIGS. 4A-C, the same three probe sequences tested previously with a T-BHQ1 modification (cf. FIGS. 2A-C) have markedly improved performance as dual quencher probes:

FIGS. 4A-C. Amplification traces signaled with an end-labeled probe are shown as slashed lines. Amplification traces signaled with a dual quencher probe are shown as solid lines. The improvement in quenching efficiency is most pronounced with longer probe sequences, while all three demonstrate improved signal release. The probe sequences being compared are:

21-base probe (end-labeled): (SEQ ID NO: 1) 5′-[FAM]-TCCTTTGGGCTCCTGCCATCT-[BHQ1]-3′ 21-base probe (I-BHQ0 + 3-BHQ1): (SEQ ID NO: 2) 5′-[FAM]-TCCTTTGGG[I-BHQ0]CTCCTGCCATCT[3-BHQ1]-3′ 29-base probe (end-labeled): (SEQ ID NO: 3) 5′-[FAM]-AAACCACTTTATGAAAATCTAACTGGACA-[BHQ1]-3′ 29-base probe (I-BHQ0 + 3-BHQ1): (SEQ ID NO: 4) 5′-[FAM]-AAACCACTT[I-BHQ0]TATGAAAATCTAACTGGACA- [3-BHQ1]-3′ 35-base probe (end-labeled): (SEQ ID NO: 5) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGTAGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACATCA- [BHQ1]-3′ 35-base probe (I-BHQO + 3-BHQ1): (SEQ ID NO: 6) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGT[I-BHQ0]AGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACA TCA-[3-BHQ1]-3′

The improved quenching efficiency can be predicted by the distance dependence of FRET but the improved signal is not easily explained. One possibility is the internal quencher must actually have poor spectral overlap with the fluorescent reporter to better signal the amplification. With a maximal absorbance at 495 nm, the absorption spectrum of BHQ0 is a bit removed from FAM with its maximal emission at 520. Although still speculative, it is possible the internal quencher must have a lambda max at a shorter wavelength than the reporter, or else shorter wavelength than the quencher upon the 3′ terminus (BHQ1) for optimal performance characteristics.

It is also possible the two quenchers physically associate with one another to produce a complex that interacts more effectively with FAM than either quencher acting individually. If true, this would produce a structured probe conformation in which the 3′ BHQ1 is brought into closer proximity to the 5′ fluorescent reporter, and so could be considered a conformation-assisted probe.

The improved signal release may originate from favorable interactions between the BHQ0 and Taq polymerase. While traditional end-labeled probes release signal immediately upon hybridization, it was shown that in dual quencher probes this signaling mechanism is actually quite minimal. Even upon hybridization the FRET quenching remains significant due to the proximity of the fluorescent reporter and internal quencher. Only upon nuclease digestion by the polymerase is the fluorophore cleaved from the quencher-labeled oligo, to release the fluorescent signal. These sort of enzyme dependencies are very difficult to predict. They may involve subtle electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with the protein itself, and difficult to model without X-ray crystallography.

While various hypotheses can explain the improved signal amplification, duplex stabilization is not currently one of them. It was demonstrated the internal BHQ does not improve binding strength but rather reduces the probe's T_(M) by 1° C. on average compared to traditional end-labeled probes. This destabilization might originate from the internal modification disrupting the sugar-phospate backbone, introducing a bulge of sorts upon binding the target sequence. These hypotheses and their characterization are detailed more fully in the experimental section.

Most candidates were tested by amplifying from a single dilution point of the target sequence, for efficiency of screening. To ensure no loss of sensitivity near the limit of detection, dual quencher probes were tested across a 7-point dilution series, and their amplification are presented following analysis by the instrument's normalization algorithms:

FIGS. 5A-F. Amplification traces signaled with a end-labeled probe are shown as slashed lines. Amplification traces signaled with a dual quencher probe are shown as solid lines.

Experimental

The improved performance of dual quencher probes can be accomplished through a very specific system of modifications dependent upon chromophore structure, linkage to the oligo, orientation toward one another, and location within the sequence. Deviation from any of these precise characteristics, however slight, produces inferior performance with respect to the magnitude of signal release, such as observed with the probe modified using a T-linked BHQ1.

The chemical structure of this I-TBHQ1 modification is:

That probe contained just a single quencher at an internal position while blocked with a Spacer-C3 modification upon the 3′ terminus:

(SEQ ID NO: 7) 5′-[FAM]-TCCTTTGGGC[I-TBHQ1]CCTGCCATCT-[3-Sp3]-3′

As presented in FIGS. 2A-C, the quenching efficiency was improved slightly while the signal release was suppressed, with overall performance compromised as a consequence. Next, probes with a second BHQ-1 replacing the 3′ Spacer-C3 were tested, as well as replacing the internal T-BHQ1 with an abasic formulation that disrupts the sugar-phosphate backbone:

FIGS. 6A-B. Amplification traces signaled with an end-labeled probe are shown as slashed lines. Amplification traces signaled with a double BHQ1 probe are shown as solid lines. Whether the T-linked formulation in FIG. 6A or the abasic formulation in FIG. 6B, both configurations with binary BHQ1 quenchers have a reduced signal response and compromised performance overall. The probe sequences being compared are:

21-base probe (end-labeled): (SEQ ID NO: 1) 5′[FAM]-TCCTTTGGGCTCCTGCCATCT-[BHQ1]-3′ 21-base probe (I-TBHQ1 + 3-BHQ1): (SEQ ID NO: 8) 5′[FAM]-TCCTTTGGGC[I-TBHQ1]CCTGCCATCT[3-BHQ1]-3′ 21-base probe (I-BHQ1 + 3-BHQ1): (SEQ ID NO: 9) 5′[FAM]-TCCTTTGGG[I-BHQ1]CTCCTGCCATCT-[3-BHQ1]-3′

The abasic formulation of I-BHQ1+3-BHQ1 was tested in a system that is otherwise identical to the dual quencher probes with the configuration of I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1, and yet its performance is much inferior. Results from only one representative assay are shown for brevity, but these two configurations have actually been compared across a panel of >10 different sequences with an outcome similar to that presented here—certain probe sequences have a much reduced signal response from I-BHQ1, while I-BHQ0 is more frequently improved.

Other binary quencher configurations perform no better, as well as different modifications entirely. 35-base probes with an internal T-Dabsyl (I-TDAB) as well as a truncated version of BHQ0 containing only the first aryl moiety (I-Aniline), respectively, were synthesized, always in combination with the 3-BHQ1.

FIGS. 7A-B. Slashed traces are the amplifications signaled with an end-labeled probe. Solid traces are the dual quencher probe I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1, for comparison. Hollow traces are I-TDAB+3-BHQ1 probe in FIG. 7A, and I-Aniline+3-BHQ1 in FIG. 7B. I-TDAB has improved quenching efficiency but a reduced signal response. I-Aniline has equivalent signal response to the traditional end-labeled probe but worse quenching efficiency, indicating the aniline moiety is not functioning as a quencher. Both probe configurations have inferior performance overall compared to I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1. The probe sequences being compared are:

35-base probe (end-labeled): (SEQ ID NO: 5) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGTAGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACATCA- [BHQ1]-3′ 35-base probe (I-BHQO + 3-BHQ1): (SEQ ID NO: 6) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGT[I-BHQ0]AGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACAT CA-[3-BHQ1]-3′ 35-base probe (I-TDAB + 3-BHQ1): (SEQ ID NO: 10) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAG[I-TDAB]AGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACATC A-[3-BHQ1]-3′ 35-base probe (I-Aniline + 3-BHQ1): (SEQ ID NO: 11) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGT[I-Aniline]AGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGT ACATCA-[3-BHQ1]-3′

Even changing the linkage between the internal BHQ0 to the oligo will disrupt the performance of this unique dual quencher probe configuration. A 35-base probe with the BHQ0 tethered to a deoxyribose moiety (I-dRBHQ0), and another with the BHQ0 attached through a glycol linkage that disrupts the sugar phosphate backbone (I-gBHQ0) were synthesized. The chemical structures of the reactive precursors for these two modifications are shown below.

FIGS. 8A-B. Amplification traces shown as slashed lines are signaled with an end-labeled probe. Solid traces are the dual quencher probe I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1, for comparison. Hollow traces are I-dRBHQ0+3-BHQ1 probe in FIG. 8A, and I-gBHQ0+3-BHQ1 in FIG. 8B. These modifications maintain the same chromophore structure while differing only in their linkage chemistry compared to the exemplary I-BHQ0, and yet both have inferior signal response. The probe sequences being compared are:

35-base probe (end-labeled): (SEQ ID NO: 5) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGTAGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACATCA- [BHQ1]-3′ 35-base probe (I-BHQO + 3-BHQ1): (SEQ ID NO: 6) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGT[I-BHQ0]AGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACAT CA-[3-BHQ1]-3′ 35-base probe (I-dRBHQ0 + 3-BHQ1): (SEQ ID NO: 12) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGT[I-dRBHQ0]AGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTAC ATCA-[3-BHQ1]-3′ 35-base probe (I-gBHQO + 3-BHQ1): (SEQ ID NO: 13) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGT[I-gBHQ0]AGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACA TCA-[3-BHQ1]-3′

Such functional dependencies are not only limited to the internal BHQ0, but also the BHQ1 quencher positioned upon the 3′ terminus. To demonstrate the importance of this terminal quencher upon the overall probe configuration, probes with a Spacer C3 instead of BHQ1, while preserving the internal BHQ0, were tested. The reverse orientation of the two quenchers, so that BHQ1 is positioned at an internal location while BHQ-0 is upon the 3′ terminus, was also tested:

FIGS. 9A-B. Slashed traces are the amplifications signaled with an end-labeled probe. Solid traces are the dual quencher probe I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1, for comparison. Hollow traces are I-BHQ0+3-Sp3 probe in FIG. 9A, and I-BHQ1+3-BHQ0 in FIG. 9B. Both probe configurations have inferior signal response compared to I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1, emphasizing the important role of BHQ1 within the combination as well as the orientation of the quenchers to one another. The probe sequences being compared are:

35-base probe (end-labeled): (SEQ ID NO: 5) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGTAGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACATCA- [BHQ1]-3′ 35-base probe (I-BHQO + 3-BHQ1): (SEQ ID NO: 6) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGT[I-BHQ0]AGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACAT CA-[3-BHQ1]-3′ 35-base probe (I-BHQO + 3-Sp3): (SEQ ID NO: 14) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGT[I-BHQ0]AGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACAT CA-[3-Sp3]-3′ 35-base probe (I-BHQ1 + 3-BHQO): (SEQ ID NO: 15) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGT[I-BHQ1]AGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACAT CA-[3-BHQ0]-3′

Switching the quencher orientation has a significant effect on functionality, but the sequence location is even more sensitive than that. The position of the internal BHQ0 was shifted both closer to and more distant from the 5′ fluorescent reporter, and the consequence tested:

FIG. 10. While the baseline fluorescence is lowered slightly by positioning the quencher closer to the 5′ reporter, it represents only a nominal improvement upon the quenching efficiency of the 9/10 configuration (solid lines), especially compared to the traditional end-labeled probe (slashed lines). However, the signal release is compromised when the internal BHQ0 is shifted in either direction from its exemplary position between residues 9 and 10, and so all other configurations have inferior performance. The probe sequences being compared are:

35-base probe (end-labeled): (SEQ ID NO: 5) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGTAGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACATCA-  [BHQ1]-3′ 6/7 I-BHQO + 3-BHQ1: (SEQ ID NO: 16) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGT[I-BHQ0]AGTAGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACAT CA-[3-BHQ1]-3′ 7/8 I-BHQO + 3-BHQ1: (SEQ ID NO: 17) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTA[I-BHQ0]GTAGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACAT CA-[3-BHQ1]-3′ 8/9 I-BHQO + 3-BHQ1: (SEQ ID NO: 18) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAG[I-BHQ0]TAGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACAT CA-[3-BHQ1]-3′ 9/10 I-BHQO + 3-BHQ1: (SEQ ID NO: 6) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGT[I-BHQ0]AGCCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACAT CA-[3-BHQ1]-3′ 11/12 I-BHQO + 3-BHQ1: (SEQ ID NO: 19) 5′-[FAM]-AAGAGTAGTAG[I-BHQ0]CCTAAGAGTGTCAGTTGTACAT CA-[3-BHQ1]-3′

Improved quenching efficiency can be readily explained through the distance dependence of FRET, but the signal differences across the various probe configurations is quite unexpected. In an attempt to determine the mechanism of action, the hybridization thermodynamics were characterized by combining each probe with its complementary sequence and then slowly melting apart across a temperature gradient. This melt curve records the transition temperature, or T_(M), to reveal the probe's binding stability. Probes that bind at too low a T_(M), beneath the annealing temperature of amplification, provide a weak signal response. Conversely, any increase to the binding stability should have the opposite effect. 12 different probe designs were tested in this manner, always comparing the I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1 configuration to the traditional end-labeled probe. The only difference between the two is the internal quencher, and so this comparison reveals any contribution to the binding stability from the I-BHQ0 itself:

The melt curves (FIGS. 11A-L) reveal a slight destabilization of −1.0° C. on average from the I-BHQ0+3-BHQ1 dual quencher probe configuration compared to the traditional probes. Although the results vary somewhat across the different probe sequences tested, and select sequences do register a higher T_(M) for the dual quencher configuration, overall there is no significant stabilization being contributed by the BHQ0. As such, the thermodynamics of hybridization does not appear to be a factor in the signaling mechanism of this dual quencher probe-type.

More interesting is the change in signal between hybridized and un-hybridized conformations at 60° C., as gauged by comparing the slashed and solid traces to their corresponding hollow traces. These hollow traces represent each probe in the absence of its complement across the same range, and at higher temperatures will overlay the slashed and solid traces since all the strands are melted apart. From the melt curves alone, one might conclude the traditional probe is the best performing: it has much greater signal release upon hybridization than the dual quencher probe configuration. And yet in contrast to this hybridization assay, the PCR amplifications produce a very different result: the dual quencher probe has an equivalent or greater signal release than the traditional probe. The PCR result is surprising since the melt curve data at 60° C. reveals that, even upon hybridization to their complement, the dual quencher probe remains efficiently quenched—better quenched than all but the shortest traditional probes left unhybridized. All of this suggests that in PCR assay the dominant signaling mechanism is hydrolysis rather than hybridization. Probe hydrolysis is accomplished through the 5′→3′ exonuclease activity of the polymerase and so it would appear that dual quencher probes gain potency through their interactions with this enzyme. The synergy of this system of modifications in combination with the polymerase would be very difficult to anticipate or engineer. It is only accomplished through significant empirical testing, with dozens of different configurations evaluated for their functionality in the context of qPCR.

Methods

qPCR Reaction Composition Volume Concentration Nuclease-free water 6.4 μL N/A 2X Bioline ImmoMix (w/3 mM MgCl₂) 10.0 μL  1X Additional MgCl₂ (50 mM) 1.2 μL 6 Mm total Stock Forward Primer (10 μM) 0.6 μL 300 nM Stock Reverse Primer (10 μM) 0.6 μL 300 nM Stock Probe (10 μM) 0.6 μL 300 nM Sample DNA 1.0 μL variable Total: 20.0 μL  qPCR Thermal Cycling Routine Enzyme Activation 95° C. for 10 minutes Followed by: 50 cycles of 95° C. for 20 seconds 60° C. for 60 seconds with signal detected at the 60° C. annealing temp Melt Curve Reaction Composition 10 mM Tris 50 mM NaCl 5 mM MgCl₂ 2 μM Probe 2 μM complement (or water) Melt Curve Temperature Gradient Initial Denaturation 95° C. for 5 minutes followed by: temperature ramp 25° C. to 95° C. rising 0.1° C. at each step, and waiting for 2 seconds at each step

It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to included within the spirit and purview of this application and are considered within the scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 

1. A nucleic acid probe comprising: an oligonucleotide having the structure 5′-Y¹-L¹-L^(Q1)-L²-Y²-3′, wherein Y¹ comprises a sequence of two or more DNA or RNA nucleotides; Y² comprises a sequence of two or more DNA or RNA nucleotides; wherein one of Y¹ and Y² has a fluorophore covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to its nucleotide sequence, and the other of Y¹ and Y² has a second quencher covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to its nucleotide sequence; L¹ and L² are independently selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl; and L^(Q1) is

wherein Q¹ is a first quencher having a structure selected from

wherein R^(a), R^(b), and R^(c) are independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and L³ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.
 2. The nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide sequence of Y¹ includes: a first nucleotide N¹ having a 5′ phosphate covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to said fluorophore or said second quencher, and a second nucleotide N² having a 3′ phosphate covalently attached to L¹; and the nucleotide sequence of Y² includes: a third nucleotide N³ having a 5′ phosphate covalently attached to L², and a fourth nucleotide N⁴ having a 3′ phosphate covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to said second quencher or said fluorophore; wherein when the 5′ phosphate of said first nucleotide N′ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to said fluorophore, the 3′ phosphate of said fourth nucleotide N⁴ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to said second quencher; and when the 5′ phosphate of said first nucleotide N′ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to said second quencher, the 3′ phosphate of said fourth nucleotide N⁴ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to said fluorophore.
 3. The nucleic acid probe of claim 2, further comprising one or more DNA or RNA nucleotides attached to the linker that connects the 5′ phosphate of said first nucleotide N′ to said fluorophore or second quencher.
 4. The nucleic acid probe of claim 2, further comprising one or more DNA or RNA nucleotides attached to the linker that connects the 3′ phosphate of said fourth nucleotide N⁴ to said second quencher or fluorophore.
 5. The nucleic acid probe of claim 2, wherein the 5′ phosphate of said first nucleotide N′ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to said fluorophore; and the 3′ phosphate of said fourth nucleotide N⁴ is covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to said second quencher.
 6. The nucleic acid probe of claim 5, wherein Y¹ is a sequence of 8, 9, 10, or 11 nucleotides.
 7. The nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein Q¹ has a structure selected from:

wherein R^(a2), R^(a3), R^(a5), R^(a6), R^(a7), R^(a8), R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b4), R^(b5), R^(b6), R^(b7), R^(b8), R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), R^(c6), R^(c7), and R^(c8) are independently selected from H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, and nitro.
 8. The nucleic acid probe of claim 7, wherein R^(a2), R^(a3), R^(a5), R^(a6), R^(a7), R^(a8), R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b4), R^(b5), R^(b6), R^(b7), R^(b8), R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), R^(c6), R^(c7), and R^(c8) are independently selected from H, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, and nitro.
 9. The nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein Q¹ has the structure:

wherein R^(a2), R^(a3), R^(a5), and R^(a6) are H; at least one of R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b5), and R^(b6) is independently methyl or ethyl or n-propyl or isopropyl or n-butyl or isobutyl or sec-butyl or tert-butyl, and the remainder of R^(b2), R^(b3), R^(b5), and R^(b6) are H; and at least one of R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), and R^(c6) is independently methyl or ethyl or n-propyl or isopropyl or n-butyl or isobutyl or sec-butyl or tert-butyl, and the remainder of R^(c2), R^(c3), R^(c4), R^(c5), and R^(c6) are H.
 10. The nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein said oligonucleotide comprises from 15 to 45 nucleotides.
 11. The nucleic acid probe of claim 10, wherein said oligonucleotide comprises from 20 to 30 nucleotides.
 12. The nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein said oligonucleotide has from 15 to 45 nucleotides.
 13. The nucleic acid probe of claim 12, wherein said oligonucleotide has from 20 to 30 nucleotides.
 14. The nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein L¹ and L² are each unsubstituted C₁-C₇ alkyl.
 15. The nucleic acid probe of claim 14, wherein L¹ and L² are each unsubstituted C₁-C₃ alkyl; and L¹ and L² are the same.
 16. The nucleic acid probe of claim 15, wherein L¹ and L² are each ethyl.
 17. The nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein the second quencher has the structure:

wherein R^(e2), R^(e5), R^(f2), and R^(f4) are independently selected from H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, and nitro; and L⁴ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.
 18. The nucleic acid probe of claim 17, wherein R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R^(e5) is H; R² is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; and R^(f4) is H.
 19. The nucleic acid probe of claim 17, wherein R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R^(e5) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R² is nitro; and R^(f4) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl.
 20. The nucleic acid probe of claim 17, wherein R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R^(e5) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R² is H; and R^(f4) is nitro.
 21. The nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein the second quencher has the structure:

wherein L⁴ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.
 22. The nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein the second quencher is derived from BBQ-650®, Dabcyl, Dabsyl, Eclipse® quencher, Iowa Black® FQ, Iowa Black® RQ-n1, or Iowa Black® RQ-n2.
 23. The nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein the fluorophore is derived from 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM), 2′7′-dimethoxy-4′5′-dichloro-6-carboxyfluorescein (JOE), tetrachlorofluorescein (TET), 6-carboxyrhodamine (R6G), N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-6-carboxyrhodamine (TAMRA), 6-carboxy-X-rhodamine (ROX), 1-dimethylaminonaphthyl-5-sulfonate, 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate, 2-p-toluidinyl-6-naphthalene sulfonate, 5-(2′-aminoethyl)aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (EDANS), a coumarin dye, an acridine dye, indodicarbocyanine 3 (Cy3), indodicarbocyanine 5 (Cy5), indodicarbocyanine 5.5 (Cy5.5), 3-(1-carboxy-pentyl)-3 ′-ethyl-5,5′-dimethyloxacarbocyanine (CyA), 1H,5H, 11H,15H-Xantheno [2,3,4-ij:5,6,7-i′j′]diquinolizin-18-ium, 9-[2(or 4)-[[[6-[2, 5-dioxo-1-pyrrolidinyl)oxy]-6-oxohexyl]amino]sulfonyl]-4(or 2)-sulfophenyl]-2,3,6,7,12,13,16,17-octahydro-inner salt (TR or Texas Red), a BODIPY dye, benzoxaazole, stilbene, or pyrene.
 24. The nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein the fluorophore is derived from 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM).
 25. The nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein the fluorophore has the structure:

wherein L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.
 26. The nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide sequence of Y¹ includes: a first nucleotide N¹ having a 5′ phosphate covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to said fluorophore, and a second nucleotide N² having a 3′ phosphate covalently attached to L¹; and the nucleotide sequence of Y² includes: a third nucleotide N³ having a 5′ phosphate covalently attached to L², and a fourth nucleotide N⁴ having a 3′ phosphate covalently attached (directly or through a linker) to said second quencher; L¹ is unsubstituted C₂ alkyl; L² is unsubstituted C₂ alkyl; Q¹ has the structure:

said second quencher has the structure:

wherein L⁴ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl; and said fluorophore comprises a fluorescein moiety.
 27. The nucleic acid probe of claim 26, wherein the second quencher has the structure:


28. The nucleic acid probe of claim 26 or 27, wherein said oligonucleotide comprises from 15 to 45 nucleotides.
 29. The nucleic acid probe of claim 28, wherein said oligonucleotide has from 15 to 45 nucleotides.
 30. The nucleic acid probe of claim 26, wherein Y¹ is a sequence of from 8 to 11 nucleotides.
 31. The nucleic acid probe of claim 26, wherein Y² is a sequence of from 6 to 24 nucleotides.
 32. The nucleic acid probe of claim 26, wherein the fluorophore has the structure:

wherein L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.
 33. The nucleic acid probe of claim 32, wherein the fluorophore has the structure:


34. The nucleic acid probe of claim 26, wherein Y¹ is a sequence of from 8 to 11 nucleotides; Y² is a sequence of from 6 to 24 nucleotides; the second quencher has the structure:

and the fluorophore has the structure:


35. The nucleic acid probe of claim 2, wherein the oligonucleotide is a first oligonucleotide, and the first oligonucleotide is adapted to hybridize to a second oligonucleotide having the structure 3′-Y³-Y⁴-5′, wherein: Y³ comprises a sequence of four or more DNA or RNA nucleotides, including a fifth nucleotide N⁵; and Y⁴ comprises a sequence of four or more DNA or RNA nucleotides, including a sixth nucleotide N⁶ that is directly attached to nucleotide N⁵; wherein if the first oligonucleotide hybridizes to the second oligonucleotide, N² base pairs with N⁵ and N³ base pairs with N⁶ to form a duplex having a T_(m) that is higher than the T_(m) of a duplex formed between the second oligonuleotide and a third oligonucleotide having the structure 5′-Y¹-Y²-3′.
 36. The nucleic acid probe of claim 2, wherein the oligonucleotide is a first oligonucleotide, and the first oligonucleotide is adapted to hybridize to a second oligonucleotide having the structure 3′-Y³-Y⁴-5′, wherein: Y³ comprises a sequence of four or more DNA or RNA nucleotides, including a fifth nucleotide N⁵; and Y⁴ comprises a sequence of four or more DNA or RNA nucleotides, including a sixth nucleotide N⁶ that is directly attached to nucleotide N⁵; wherein if the first oligonucleotide hybridizes to the second oligonucleotide, N² base pairs with N⁵ and N³ base pairs with N⁶ to form a duplex having a T_(m) that is lower than the T_(m) of a duplex formed between the second oligonuleotide and a third oligonucleotide having the structure 5′-Y¹-Y²-3′.
 37. A method of detecting a second oligonucleotide in a sample, comprising: contacting the sample with the nucleic acid probe of claim 36, wherein the fluorescence of the fluorophore is reduced by donor-acceptor energy transfer to one or both of the first quencher and the second quencher when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide; and detecting an increase in fluorescence indicating the presence of the second oligonucleotide in the sample.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein fluorescence is reduced by fluorescence resonance energy transfer when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide.
 39. The method of claim 37, wherein fluorescence is reduced by ground state quenching when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide.
 40. The method of claim 37, wherein fluorescence is reduced by both fluorescence resonance energy transfer and ground state quenching when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide.
 41. The method of claim 37, wherein the increase in fluorescence arises from cleavage of the fluorophore from the first oligonucleotide.
 42. The method of claim 37, wherein the first oligonucleotide forms a random-coil conformation when the first oligonucleotide is unhybridized, such that the fluorescence of the fluorophore is reduced.
 43. The method of claim 37, wherein the first oligonucleotide comprises a self-complimentary sequence and wherein the quencher and the fluorophore are attached to the first oligonucleotide such that the fluorescence of the fluorophore is quenched by the quencher when the nucleic acid polymer undergoes intramoleeular base pairing.
 44. The method of claim 37, wherein the method is used in a PCR reaction wherein synthesis of PCR product results in an increase in fluorescence.
 45. A method of detecting a second oligonucleotide in a sample, comprising: contacting the sample with the nucleic acid probe of claim 1, wherein the oligonucleotide is a first oligonucleotide, and the first oligonucleotide is adapted to hybridize to a second oligonucleotide, and fluorescence of the fluorophore is reduced by donor-acceptor energy transfer to one or both of the first quencher and the second quencher when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide; and detecting an increase in fluorescence indicating the presence of the second oligonucleotide in the sample.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein fluorescence is reduced by fluorescence resonance energy transfer when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonueleotide.
 47. The method of claim 45, wherein fluorescence is reduced by ground state quenching when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide.
 48. The method of claim 45, wherein fluorescence is reduced by both fluorescence resonance energy transfer and ground state quenching when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide.
 49. The method of claim 45, wherein the increase in fluorescence arises from cleavage of the fluorophore from the first oligonucleotide.
 50. The method of claim 45, wherein the first oligonucleotide forms a random-coil conformation when the first oligonucleotide is unhybridized, such that the fluorescence of the fluorophore is reduced.
 51. The method of claim 45, wherein the first oligonucleotide comprises a self-complimentary sequence and wherein the quenchers and the fluorophore are attached to the first oligonucleotide such that the fluorescence of the fluorophore is quenched by one or both of the first quencher and the second quencher when the nucleic acid polymer undergoes intramoleeular base pairing.
 52. The method of claim 45, wherein the method is used in a PCR reaction wherein synthesis of PCR product results in an increase in fluorescence.
 53. A nucleic acid probe comprising an oligonucleotide having attached thereto: a first quencher having a structure comprising at least three residues selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and combinations thereof, wherein at least two of said residues are covalently linked via an exocyclic diazo bond; and a second quencher; wherein said first quencher is attached to a nucleotide, which is 8, 9, 10, or 11 nucleotides towards the 3′-terminus from the 5′-terminus of the oligonucleotide; and said first quencher and said second quencher are attached to the oligonucleotide through a member independently selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.
 54. The nucleic acid probe according to claim 53, wherein said oligonucleotide further comprises a fluorophore attached to the 5′-terminus of the oligonucleotide through a member selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.
 55. The nucleic acid probe according to claim 53 or 54, wherein each of said at least three residues is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.
 56. The nucleic acid probe according to claim 55, wherein at least two of said at least three residues are phenyl substituted with at least one C₁-C₆ unsubstituted alkyl moiety.
 57. The nucleic acid probe according to claim 56, wherein said first quencher has the structure:

wherein L³ is a member selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.
 58. The nucleic acid probe according to claim 53, wherein said second quencher has a structure comprising at least three residues selected from substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and combinations thereof, wherein at least two of said residues are covalently linked via an exocyclic diazo bond.
 59. The nucleic acid probe according to claim 58, wherein said second quencher is attached to the 3′-terminus of the oligonucleotide.
 60. The nucleic acid probe of claim 53, wherein said second quencher has the structure:

wherein R^(e2), R^(e5), R^(f2), and R^(f4) are independently selected from H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, and nitro; and L⁴ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.
 61. The nucleic acid probe of claim 60, wherein R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R^(e5) is H; R^(f2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; and R^(f4) is H.
 62. The nucleic acid probe of claim 60, wherein R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R^(e5) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R² is nitro; and R^(f4) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl.
 63. The nucleic acid probe of claim 60, wherein R^(e2) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R^(e5) is unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R² is H; and R^(f4) is nitro.
 64. The nucleic acid probe of claim 53, wherein the second quencher has the structure:

wherein L⁴ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.
 65. The nucleic acid probe of claim 53, wherein said fluorophore has the structure:

wherein L⁵ is selected from a bond, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl.
 66. The nucleic acid probe of claim 65, wherein said fluorophore has the structure:


67. A method for detecting a nucleic acid target sequence, said method comprising: (a) contacting said target sequence with a detector nucleic acid comprising a single-stranded target binding sequence, wherein said detector nucleic acid is a nucleic acid probe according to claim 1, and said detector nucleic acid is in a conformation allowing donor-acceptor energy transfer between said fluorophore and one or both of said first quencher and said second quencher when said fluorophore is excited; (b) hybridizing said target binding sequence to said target sequence, thereby altering said conformation of said detector nucleic acid, causing a change in a fluorescence parameter; and (c) detecting said change in said fluorescence parameter, thereby detecting said nucleic acid target sequence.
 68. A method of ascertaining whether a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid hybridize, wherein said first nucleic acid is a nucleic acid probe according to claim 1, said method comprising: (a) contacting said first nucleic acid with said second nucleic acid; and (b) detecting an alteration in a fluorescent property of a member selected from said first nucleic acid, said second nucleic acid and a combination thereof, thereby ascertaining whether said hybridization occurs.
 69. A method of monitoring a nucleic acid amplification reaction, said method comprising: (a) preparing an amplification reaction mixture comprising a detector nucleic acid, wherein said detector nucleic acid is a nucleic acid probe according to claim 1; (b) subjecting the amplification reaction mixture to amplification conditions; (c) monitoring the reaction mixture for a fluorescent signal from the detector nucleic acid to obtain an assay result; and (d) employing the assay result to monitor the nucleic acid amplification reaction.
 70. A method of detecting amplification of a target sequence, said method comprising: (a) hybridizing a sample nucleic acid comprising the target sequence with PCR primers that flank the target sequence; (b) extending the hybridized primers with a polymerase to produce the PCR product, and separating the two strands of the PCR product to make accessible the sense and antisense strands of the target sequence; (c) hybridizing a detector nucleic acid to the sense or antisense strand of the target sequence in the PCR product, wherein the detector nucleic acid is a nucleic acid probe according to any claim 1; wherein prior to its hybridization to the target sequence, the detector nucleic acid is in a conformation allowing donor-acceptor energy transfer between the fluorophore and one or both of the first quencher and the second quencher when the fluorophore is excited; thereby altering the conformation of the detector nucleic acid, causing a change in a fluorescence parameter; and (d) measuring the change in the fluorescence parameter to detect the target sequence and its amplification.
 71. A method of detecting a second oligonucleotide in a sample, comprising: contacting the sample with the nucleic acid probe of claim 35, wherein the fluorescence of the fluorophore is reduced by donor-acceptor energy transfer to one or both of the first quencher and the second quencher when the first oligonucleotide is not hybridized to the second oligonucleotide; and detecting an increase in fluorescence indicating the presence of the second oligonucleotide in the sample.
 72. A method for detecting a nucleic acid target sequence, said method comprising: (a) contacting said target sequence with a detector nucleic acid comprising a single-stranded target binding sequence, wherein said detector nucleic acid is a nucleic acid probe according to claim 54, and said detector nucleic acid is in a conformation allowing donor-acceptor energy transfer between said fluorophore and one or both of said first quencher and said second quencher when said fluorophore is excited; (b) hybridizing said target binding sequence to said target sequence, thereby altering said conformation of said detector nucleic acid, causing a change in a fluorescence parameter; and (c) detecting said change in said fluorescence parameter, thereby detecting said nucleic acid target sequence.
 73. A method of ascertaining whether a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid hybridize, wherein said first nucleic acid is a nucleic acid probe according to claim 53, said method comprising: (a) contacting said first nucleic acid with said second nucleic acid; and (b) detecting an alteration in a fluorescent property of a member selected from said first nucleic acid, said second nucleic acid and a combination thereof, thereby ascertaining whether said hybridization occurs.
 74. A method of monitoring a nucleic acid amplification reaction, said method comprising: (a) preparing an amplification reaction mixture comprising a detector nucleic acid, wherein said detector nucleic acid is a nucleic acid probe according to claim 54; (b) subjecting the amplification reaction mixture to amplification conditions; (c) monitoring the reaction mixture for a fluorescent signal from the detector nucleic acid to obtain an assay result; and (d) employing the assay result to monitor the nucleic acid amplification reaction.
 75. A method of detecting amplification of a target sequence, said method comprising: (a) hybridizing a sample nucleic acid comprising the target sequence with PCR primers that flank the target sequence; (b) extending the hybridized primers with a polymerase to produce the PCR product, and separating the two strands of the PCR product to make accessible the sense and antisense strands of the target sequence; (c) hybridizing a detector nucleic acid to the sense or antisense strand of the target sequence in the PCR product, wherein the detector nucleic acid is a nucleic acid probe according to claim 54; wherein prior to its hybridization to the target sequence, the detector nucleic acid is in a conformation allowing donor-acceptor energy transfer between the fluorophore and one or both of the first quencher and the second quencher when the fluorophore is excited; thereby altering the conformation of the detector nucleic acid, causing a change in a fluorescence parameter; and (d) measuring the change in the fluorescence parameter to detect the target sequence and its amplification. 